Zelenskyy In UK: Burnham Pledges Full Support As Ukraine Faces Russia And Iran Tensions

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy visited Britain on Monday for talks with new Prime Minister Andy Burnham, as London promised continued military support for Kyiv and pledged to strengthen defence cooperation amid escalating Russian attacks. The visit came ahead of Zelenskyy’s meeting with US President Donald Trump in Washington.

Zelenskyy’s visit was Burnham’s first meeting with a foreign leader since becoming prime minister, signalling that support for Ukraine remains a key priority for the new British government. Meeting aboard HMS Queen Elizabeth in Portsmouth, Burnham said, “We are with Ukraine 100%, I am personally with you 100%,” adding that Britain would honour all commitments made to Kyiv.

Burnham also warned Russia that Britain’s position would not change, saying, “Russia should be in no doubt of our resolve, and we will not back down until we achieve long lasting and just peace for Ukraine.”

During the talks, Britain agreed to share the technology behind its Stone Cloak electronic warfare system with Ukraine. The system is designed to jam Russian air defence capabilities and help protect Ukrainian drones from detection. The leaders also discussed joint drone production, missile defence and Ukraine’s urgent need for systems to protect critical infrastructure from Russian strikes.

Zelenskyy met more than 200 Ukrainian troops undergoing training in Britain focused on combat skills and Black Sea mine countermeasures. He said Ukraine’s relationship with Britain was “stronger than ever” and highlighted the need for expanded defence cooperation.

The UK visit came before Zelenskyy’s expected talks with Trump, where Kyiv is seeking stronger US support, additional air defence systems and security guarantees. Zelenskyy said Ukraine’s priority remains strengthening strategic cooperation with Washington.

Meanwhile, fighting continued to intensify. Ukraine reported a major Russian drone attack, while Moscow claimed it had intercepted hundreds of Ukrainian drones. Romania also faced repeated drone airspace incidents linked to the war, raising concerns about the conflict spreading beyond Ukraine.

Tensions also grew between Kyiv and Tehran after Iran accused Ukraine of striking a vessel in the Caspian Sea, killing a sailor. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi called the attack a “blatant UN Charter violation” and warned it “cannot go unanswered.”

Ukraine rejected Iran’s accusations, saying Tehran’s military support for Russia makes it involved in the conflict. Zelenskyy said Ukrainian strikes targeted vessels linked to military supplies supporting Moscow’s war effort.