Aug 24, Kathmandu - UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham traveled to Kyiv on Monday to mark Ukraine's 35th Independence Day. During the visit, he reaffirmed the United Kingdom’s unwavering commitment to support Ukraine amid ongoing conflict with Russia.

According to Downing Street, Burnham will co-chair the inaugural meeting of the “Coalition of the Willing,” a group of countries providing aid to Ukraine. Some participants will join the meeting in person, while others will connect via video link.

Ahead of the trip, the UK announced plans to assist Ukraine in the production and assembly of long-range missile systems. The UK has agreed to share classified components of the SCALP missile with France and Ukraine. The SCALP is the French version of the UK's Storm Shadow missile.

During Ukraine's Independence Day celebrations, Burnham emphasized that the UK will stand by the Ukrainian people for as long as needed. The decision to share classified information is expected to advance missile assembly efforts in Ukraine and bolster the UK’s “Project Breakstep,” aimed at developing advanced long-range weapons at lower costs.

Burnham’s visit follows a recent trip by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to London. During that visit, the UK announced plans to share information about a new electronic jamming technology called “Stonecloak,” which disrupts drone operations by complicating Russian air defense systems.

Since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the UK has been a key supporter, providing approximately £2.5 billion in aid, including around £1.6 billion in military assistance, according to the Prime Minister’s Office.