In brief
Prime Minister Andy Burnham announced that his role is to “repair bridges” between the United States and Ukraine just ahead of a meeting with President Volodymyr Zelensky at Downing Street. His remarks come after former U.S. President Donald Trump struck a deal to import Russian diesel, a move that critics say undermines Ukraine’s war effort. Burnham sidestepped calling out Trump during PMQs, warning that Ukraine would not be left ‘empty-handed’ and promised further military and financial support. The UK plans to lift sanctions on Russia, speed up delivery of air‑defence missiles to Kyiv and urge allies to pressure Moscow, including a ban on Russian LNG at upcoming IMF talks.
UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham said on Thursday that his job is to “repair bridges” between the United States and Ukraine as he prepares for a meeting with President Volodymyr Zelensky at Downing Street.
The comments come after former U.S. President Donald Trump announced a deal to import Russian diesel, a move that many in the UK say undermines Ukraine’s war effort and gives Moscow money to keep fighting.
During parliamentary questions, Burnham avoided criticising Trump, stressing that Ukraine would not leave the UK ‘empty-handed’ and that further military and financial support would be outlined in coming weeks.
Burnham is expected to promise new sanctions on Russia and speed up delivery of British air‑defence missiles to Kyiv. The UK will also urge allies to pressure Russia, including a call for a ban on Russian liquefied natural gas at upcoming IMF meetings.
The visit will see the UK accelerate the supply of British Lightweight Multirole Missiles, with over 5,000 missiles already pledged for a £1.6 bn programme.
