Prime Minister Andy Burnham has reaffirmed Britain’s support for Ukraine, declaring that the country has been “Europe’s protector” in its fight against Russia and insisting the UK will remain alongside the Ukrainian people throughout their struggle.
Speaking during events marking Ukrainian Independence Day, Burnham rejected suggestions that supporting Kyiv represented a burden on Britain and its allies.
“Ukraine has been Europe’s protector, not a drain on our security,” the Prime Minister said, according to Channel 4 News.
Burnham added that Britain was “with you all the way in this struggle”, as Ukrainians marked their Independence Day more than four years after Russia launched its full-scale invasion.
Channel 4 News also reported that Burnham is set to hand over blueprints for long-range missiles to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during their meetings, in a further demonstration of the UK’s commitment to strengthening Ukraine’s ability to defend itself.
The Prime Minister’s message was echoed by Chancellor John Healey, who used Ukrainian Independence Day to underline the Government’s continuing commitment to Kyiv.
Writing on X, Healey said:
“For as long as it takes, Britain will stand with Ukraine in their fight against Putin’s illegal invasion.”
He praised the Ukrainian people for their resilience since the invasion, adding:
“On their Independence Day today, we salute the Ukrainian people for their bravery, and fearless determination to fight for their future.”
Healey ended his message with “Slava Ukraini”.
The interventions from two of the Government’s most senior figures underline Labour’s determination to maintain Britain’s support for Ukraine while framing the defence of the country as integral to the wider security of Europe.
Burnham’s description of Ukraine as Europe’s “protector” also places the Government’s support in the context of Britain’s own national security, arguing that Ukrainians are resisting Russian aggression not only for their own country but on behalf of the wider continent.
The Government has made clear that it intends to continue working with Ukraine and European allies to strengthen Kyiv’s defences while maintaining pressure on Vladimir Putin’s government.
As Ukraine marked another Independence Day under the shadow of war, the message from Downing Street was unequivocal: Britain’s political and military support for the Ukrainian people will continue.
