UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham has reaffirmed Britain’s support for Ukraine during a meeting with President Volodymyr Zelensky at Downing Street, pledging continued assistance as Kyiv faces renewed Russian attacks and uncertainty over Washington’s commitment to its defence.
Burnham pledged continued support for Ukraine during Zelensky’s London visit, stating, “we are behind you and that will not change.”
The meeting followed Trump’s decision to ease sanctions on Russian diesel imports and his renewed criticism of the Ukrainian president.
Burnham, who has promised to maintain Britain’s backing for Kyiv, stated that Ukraine is willing to discuss a proposed ceasefire covering attacks on energy infrastructure.
However, he noted that Russia had responded with further strikes on critical Ukrainian infrastructure.
Volodymyr Zelensky, on the other hand, expressed gratitude for Britain’s continued assistance, describing the country as one of Ukraine’s strongest partners during the war.
“Our people, we survived and continue to do this because we have strong partners, and I’m very proud that we have one of the strongest partners in our history and it’s your people, Andy.”
Volodymyr Zelensky
Burnham Seeks to Repair Relations Between Ukraine and US
Moreover, Burnham used the meeting to reaffirm Britain’s commitment to Ukraine while avoiding a confrontation with Trump over the US President’s decision to ease restrictions on Russian diesel.
The Ukrainian leader received a military ceremonial guard as he arrived at Downing Street, an honour that Number 10 noted it could not find a previous record of being extended to a foreign leader at the location.
Speaking earlier during Prime Minister’s Questions, Burnham faced pressure from Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey to condemn the US decision, which Davey described as a “shameful Trump betrayal of the Ukrainian people and European security.”
Burnham acknowledged the difficult position facing Zelensky but stated that his priority was to rebuild cooperation between the US and Ukraine.
“What I have to do in my role is try and repair bridges so that the support comes back and therefore I should at this moment in time be careful in terms of laying the ground to bring people back together.”
Andy Burnham
The Prime Minister noted that he had spoken to Zelensky by telephone after recognising that Ukraine is facing another “very dark and difficult moment” as it prepared for a potentially severe winter.
UK Accelerates Missile Deliveries as Russian Strikes Hit Power Infrastructure
Ahead of Zelensky’s arrival, Downing Street announced plans to accelerate deliveries of lightweight multirole missiles to Ukraine, which have been used to intercept Russian drones.
The move forms part of Britain’s wider military assistance to Kyiv, particularly its efforts to strengthen air defences against Russian missile and drone attacks.
Zelensky’s visit followed reports from Ukrainian officials that Russian strikes overnight had damaged critical energy infrastructure and left at least 600,000 people without electricity.
Ukraine also reported that, for the second consecutive night, it had not received warning from its allies about an impending wave of Russian missile strikes.
The attacks have raised further questions about the prospects for an energy ceasefire, which Trump has claimed was already in place between Moscow and Kyiv.
Burnham, however, indicated that Russia’s continued attacks had undermined hopes for a halt in hostilities against critical infrastructure.
Ukraine has expressed willingness to stop targeting Russian oil refineries and other energy facilities if Moscow agrees to reciprocal restraint. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has rejected the prospect of offering Ukraine what he described as a “respite” through a ceasefire.
Zelensky has also suggested that Washington threatened to restrict intelligence-sharing with Kyiv unless he agreed to the proposed energy truce. Trump has denied withholding intelligence from Ukraine.
Trump’s Diesel Agreement Raises Questions Over Sanctions on Russia
Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump has announced an agreement with Russian President Vladimir Putin to release an initial 300,000 tonnes of diesel to the United States, with additional supplies expected to follow.
The US president has linked the arrangement to domestic concerns over the cost of living and the price of diesel ahead of the country’s November elections, presenting the deal as a measure intended to ease pressure on consumers.
However, the decision to suspend sanctions affecting Russian diesel imports has raised concerns among European allies because restrictions on Russian energy revenues form part of broader efforts to limit Moscow’s capacity to finance its invasion of Ukraine.
Zelensky criticised the arrangement, describing it as a gift to Putin and warning that the revenue could help sustain Russia’s military campaign.
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