Kremlin hits out at UK, accusing Britain of ‘taking part in war’ as Burnham visits Kyiv and unveils missile support plan
The Kremlin has accused Britain of “taking part in the war on Ukraine’s side” after Prime Minister Andy Burnham arrived in Kyiv and announced new British support for the production of long-range missiles.
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Moscow reacted angrily on Monday to the Government’s decision to allow classified information on British-made components used in SCALP cruise missiles to be shared with Ukraine, accusing the UK of “adding fuel to the fire”.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Russia regarded the move “extremely negatively” and claimed Britain was doing everything it could to prevent progress towards an eventual peace deal.
Asked about Mr Burnham’s visit to Kyiv and the new missile support, Mr Peskov said Britain was now a participant in the war on Ukraine’s side.
The comments came as Mr Burnham arrived in Ukraine for his first foreign trip since becoming Prime Minister, using the visit to underline continued British backing for Kyiv as the country marked the 35th anniversary of its independence from the Soviet Union.
On Monday morning, the Prime Minister laid a wreath and flowers at the graves of Ukrainian soldiers at the National Military Cemetery as part of events marking Independence Day.
Read more: Ukraine is Andy Burnham’s first test to prove himself on the world stage, writes Natasha Clark
During the ceremony he spoke to Finnish President Alexander Stubb, who told him “we are in a war period” and warned about the difficulties Ukraine continues to face in defending itself from Russian ballistic missile attacks.
Mr Burnham is also expected to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and chair his first meeting of the “coalition of the willing”, the UK and French-led group established under his predecessor Sir Keir Starmer to coordinate support for Ukraine.
But it is the announcement over SCALP missiles which has provoked the strongest response from Moscow.
The UK has agreed to allow defence firm MBDA to release classified information about British components used in the weapon as Ukraine and France look to establish local assembly lines inside the country.
SCALP is the French-produced version of Britain’s Storm Shadow missile, with both weapons sharing British and French technology. Ukraine has already used the long-range missiles to strike Russian military targets, giving Kyiv the ability to hit well beyond the immediate front line.
Mr Burnham said ahead of the visit: “Russia should be in no doubt of our resolve.
“We will not back down until there is a just and lasting peace.”
The Prime Minister is also expected to accept an award on behalf of the British people recognising the UK’s support for Ukraine during the war.
Mr Zelensky was the first foreign leader to visit Downing Street after Mr Burnham replaced Sir Keir, and Monday’s trip is designed to send a clear signal that there will be no major change in British support for Ukraine under the new Government.
However, the visit comes at a difficult time domestically for Mr Zelensky, who is facing political turmoil following a growing rift with his former defence minister Mykhailo Fedorov.
Mr Fedorov was sacked last month after reportedly falling out with the head of Ukraine’s armed forces, prompting weeks of protests.
He has since called for elections to be held, arguing that democracy “should not be the hostage of Putin”, and has demanded Mr Zelensky answer questions over what he knew about alleged corruption involving members of his inner circle.
Last week, Ukraine’s anti-corruption authorities said they had uncovered a money-laundering operation, leading Mr Zelensky to sack one of his senior officials over their alleged involvement.
The Ukrainian President has denied any involvement in corruption, telling reporters over the weekend: “The heads of anti-corruption agencies have zero questions for me.
“They understand perfectly well that I am not involved in anything like that.”