UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham has said Britain will continue to stand with Ukraine as he prepares to meet President Volodymyr Zelensky on Monday. The visit will mark the first time an international leader has been received by Burnham since he took office.
The planned talks put Ukraine high on the new prime minister's agenda at an early stage of his time in government. Burnham's message ahead of the meeting suggests the UK wants to project continuity in its approach to Kyiv.
Zelensky's visit also carries added political significance because of its timing. As Burnham's first overseas guest, the Ukrainian leader's arrival underlines the importance of the relationship between London and Kyiv.
While full details of the meeting were not yet clear, Burnham's comments indicate he wants to reassure Ukraine that British backing remains in place. The visit is expected to focus attention on how the new government intends to handle one of Europe's most important ongoing conflicts.
