UK promises faster missile deliveries to Ukraine as Burnham seeks to ‘repair bridges’

Britain has announced a £45 million missile package for Ukraine, with £10 million worth to be delivered faster. Ahead of a meeting with President Volodymyr Zelensky, Prime Minister Andy Burnham told MPs that the Ukrainian leader would not leave Britain “empty-handed” — but avoided joining criticism of US President Donald Trump. [2] [3]

Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey had asked Burnham whether Trump’s recent actions amounted to a “shameful” betrayal of Ukraine. Burnham did not adopt that description. He said his role was to “repair bridges so that the support comes back” and that he needed to be careful as he tried to bring people together. An AFP report published by The Straits Times said a US official maintained that Washington’s policy on Ukraine had “not changed”. [2] [4]

Downing Street said the accelerated deliveries would be British Lightweight Multirole Missiles, used to defend against Russian drones. The £10 million is part of the £45 million package, not an additional sum. Burnham also said he had asked ministers to draw up further military and financial support for the coming weeks; that was a request for proposals, not an announcement of another package. The BBC subsequently reported that Burnham and Zelensky had met at Downing Street. [3] [2] [1]