What are Storm Shadow blueprints and why is Burnham handing them to Ukraine?
Burnham is poised to hand Zelenskyy weapons blueprints to help Ukraine assemble long-range Storm Shadow missiles
Andy Burnham has met Volodymyr Zelenskyy to hand over long-range missile blueprints on Ukraine's Independence Day.
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The Prime Minister arrived in Kyiv on Monday morning to hand over the Storm Shadow blueprints and also preside over a "coalition of the willing" meeting.
The leaders have met midway into the fifth year of fighting since Russia invaded Ukraine, and the UK has reaffirmed its support to Mr Zelenskyy - as the first British fatality fighting in aid of Vladimir Putin's forces has been confirmed.
“On Ukraine’s 35th anniversary of independence, the Ukrainian people should be in no doubt: the UK is behind you today and for as long as it takes," Mr Burnham said.
The Prime Minister will also take part in Independence Day events and accept an award on behalf of the British people recognising the UK’s support.
Here is what you need to know about the blueprints and why they are being handed over.
What are Storm Shadow blueprints?
Mr Burnham has agreed to declassify information on UK components for the long-range Scalp missile, which is the French equivalent of the UK's Storm Shadow missile defence system.
Both missiles use shared French and British technology, and Ukraine and France are looking to set up local assembly lines for Scalp missiles in Ukraine.
This information will allow Ukraine to assemble its own long-range Storm Shadow missiles.
The air-launched cruise missiles, which have been in operation since 2003, have an operational range of 550km (342 miles) and have been developed to serve armed forces until 2032.
Why is Burnham handing them to Ukraine?
Mr Burnham has handed over the blueprints to help Ukraine in its battle to keep Russia at bay.
He said: “The friendship between our two countries will long outlast Russia’s illegal war. In both the fight and in the rebuilding to come, we will stand with Ukraine and deliver opportunities for people across both our countries.
"Russia should be in no doubt of our resolve. We will not back down until there is a just and lasting peace.”
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov had previously criticised the decision, stating the UK had prevented a process towards peace. He added that Russia was gathering data to locate and destroy missile production in Ukraine.