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Prime Minister Andy Burnham is set to welcome Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to Downing Street this Wednesday, coinciding with the UK’s announcement to speed up its provision of air defence missiles to Kyiv. Alongside this military support, Burnham is anticipated to outline plans for additional sanctions targeting Russia.
Prior to the meeting, Burnham emphasized the UK’s unwavering commitment to Ukraine, stating, “Russian aggression cannot be allowed to succeed on our continent,” and assuring that the UK stands with Ukraine “for as long as it takes.” He highlighted the importance of supporting Ukrainian forces to maintain safety both in Europe and the UK.
The UK government will also encourage its international partners to increase pressure on Russia. Chancellor John Healey plans to use meetings at the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to advocate for banning Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports. Part of the UK’s expanded support includes the accelerated delivery of British Lightweight Multirole Missiles (LMMs), a package previously valued at £1.6 billion for over 5,000 missiles committed over four years. Furthermore, the UK will reaffirm its intention to enforce a maritime services ban on Russian LNG exports.
This occasion marks Zelensky’s second visit since Burnham became prime minister, their first meeting occurring in late July when they met troops and held a joint press event at a naval base in Portsmouth. The visit comes amidst a backdrop of strained UK-US relations, highlighted by Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband referencing a “very difficult few days” following former President Donald Trump’s move to loosen sanctions on Russian diesel. Zelensky criticized this decision as a “gift” to Russia’s President Vladimir Putin, while Trump responded by calling for a change in Ukrainian leadership and criticizing Zelensky’s attacks on Russian oil facilities.
In parallel developments, Chancellor Healey will urge IMF members to bolster support for Ukraine and push Russia towards honoring the US-led call for a complete energy ceasefire. Trump had recently claimed that Russia and Ukraine agreed to an immediate energy ceasefire, but Zelensky contradicted this by reporting ongoing Russian assaults on energy infrastructure. Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov further dismissed the notion of a ceasefire, stating that Ukraine did not merit the “respite” such a pause would provide
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