According to the British newspaper The Guardian, British Prime Minister Andy Burnham will receive Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelenskyy at Downing Street on the 14th. The UK is seeking to further emphasize its support for this Ukrainian president, "as it contrasts with the difficulties he has faced with Trump."
Bernam said that the message he would convey to Zelensky and his country would be: “Whenever needed, we will be with you.”
To accompany this visit, the UK has stated that it will accelerate the supply of British-made Light Multi-Mission Missiles (LMM) to Ukraine, in order to help it withstand attacks from Russia’s new generation jet-powered drones.
Meanwhile, Burnham and his ministers will advocate for a comprehensive international maritime service ban on Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports.
Since Bernam took office in July, the two have met twice: once when Zelenskyy visited a naval base in Portsmouth in July, and another time when Bernam went to Kiev in August.
During Zelensky’s latest visit, Ukraine is facing increased attacks from Russian missiles and drones. Previously, Trump reached an agreement to purchase Russian diesel fuel, called for a change of leadership in Ukraine, and announced a ceasefire related to energy infrastructure, which Ukrainian President described as “unprecedented”.
The Guardian states that Trump is a volatile ally for Ukraine. Zelenskyy expressed anger over the diesel agreement, and claimed that the subsequent attacks on Ukraine were an act of “thanksgiving” from Russian President Vladimir Putin.
The British government had previously welcomed Zelenskyy after the disputes between Zelenskyy and Trump. Eighteen months ago, Trump and his vice president JD Vance publicly criticized the Ukrainian president in the Oval Office. The next day, Zelenskyy met with Keele Starmer in Downing Street.
On the announcement of the latest meeting, Downing Street 10 stated that a portion of the £1.6 billion package involving more than 5,000 LMMs would be implemented more quickly to help Ukraine combat attacks from jet-powered drones.
These drones are faster and operate at higher altitudes than the previous propeller-driven “Shahd” drones. As a result, they are more difficult to shoot down, allowing Russia to target more targets in Ukraine, including Kyiv.
In a statement made before meeting with Zelensky, Bernam said: “Our unwavering support for Ukraine is crucial for ensuring the security of the UK and providing frontline personnel with the equipment they need to defeat Russia.”
