UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham has pledged to continue the country's "unwavering" support for Ukraine ahead of a meeting with President Volodymyr Zelensky on Monday, July 28th, 2026. Zelensky is the first international visitor to Burnham since he assumed office a week ago, a visit No 10 described as illustrating "the strength of the relationship between the two nations."

During the visit, the leaders will tour a naval base where Burnham will announce the sharing of the intellectual property behind the UK's new "Stone Cloak" electronic warfare system. This technology transfer will enable Ukraine to produce the system at scale. Burnham emphasized that "Stone Cloak is the best of homegrown British innovation and proven on the frontline, and it will be vital to protecting our security in both our countries."

Downing Street stated that following its deployment in Ukraine, the Stone Cloak technology will be integrated into the UK's next generation of long-range weapons. This includes Project Brakestop, a government initiative to develop low-cost cruise missiles, described as self-propelled guided weapons that fly like normal aircraft for much of their flight.

The two leaders will also meet more than 200 Ukrainian military personnel who have been participating in a maritime exercise in the UK for the past three weeks.

Burnham declared, "Britain stands with Ukraine, shoulder to shoulder, and our support remains unwavering. Russia should be in no doubt of our resolve, and we will not back down until we achieve long lasting and just peace for Ukraine."

In a related exchange, Burnham expressed hope that strong relations between the UK and Ukraine would endure during and after the war. Sir Keir responded affirmatively, saying, "You won't."

Sources