Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky arrived in the United Kingdom on Monday for talks with Prime Minister Andy Burnham, marking the first visit by a foreign leader since Burnham took office.
The visit highlights the close ties between the two countries, with Burnham pledging “unwavering” support for Ukraine as it continues to defend itself against Russia’s invasion, according to BBC News. Downing Street described the meeting as a sign of the strong and enduring partnership between London and Kyiv.
A key moment of the visit will be a joint trip to a British naval base, where Burnham is expected to announce that the UK will share the intellectual property behind its new “Stone Cloak” electronic warfare system. The move will allow Ukraine to manufacture the technology at scale, strengthening its drone capabilities on the battlefield.
The Stone Cloak system, about the size of a tablet, is designed to jam detection systems and protect drones during operations. Thousands have already been supplied to Ukrainian forces. British officials say the technology will also be integrated into the UK’s future weapons, including low-cost cruise missiles under the Project Brakestop programme.
Zelensky said ahead of the meeting that the two nations have built “the strongest relationship in the history of co-operation.” He identified air defence, maritime security, and joint defence production as the main priorities of his visit.
During their time together, the leaders will also meet more than 200 Ukrainian troops who have been training in the UK as part of Exercise Sea Breeze, aimed at improving naval warfare and mine-clearing operations in the Black Sea.
Britain has been one of Ukraine’s strongest allies since Russia’s full-scale invasion four years ago, committing £25 billion in military and financial support.
Despite political changes in Europe, Zelensky expressed confidence that relations with the UK would remain steady. Burnham echoed that message, promising to continue Britain’s firm backing and build on the support shown by his predecessor.
