According to The Guardian's report on August 24th, British Prime Minister Andrew Burnett announced during his visit to Kiev to celebrate Ukraine's Independence Day that the UK would strengthen Ukraine's ability to manufacture long-range missiles independently. This was his first overseas trip since taking office.
It is reported that Burnham will announce during this visit that the British government has allowed European defense company MBDA to disclose technical information related to the British-made components of the ‘Storm Shadow’ missile, developed jointly with the UK. This will help Ukraine produce a domestic version of this missile.
The remote missile weighs 1300 kilograms and is 16.7 feet (5.1 meters) long, capable of striking targets within a range of about 250 kilometers.
Although this measure may not have a substantial impact on the military situation for several years, given the already high tensions between Britain and Russia, this move could further exacerbate the tensions between the two countries.
In a statement released on the evening of the 23rd, Burnham declared loudly: "As Ukraine celebrates its 35th anniversary of independence, the Ukrainian people should be confident that Britain supports them today and will continue to do so in the long term."
I am proud of our contributions to Ukraine, and I hope that the Ukrainian people will hear directly from me that our support will not waver. After all, the security of Ukraine is our own security.
"The friendship between our two countries will be far more enduring than Russia's 'illegal wars'. We will always stand with Ukraine, creating opportunities for the people of both countries."
Russia should not doubt our resolve. We will never shrink back before achieving a just and lasting peace.
"Storm Shadow" Long-range Missile, BBC
Bernam also stated in Kiev that Britain would assist France in establishing a long-range missile assembly line in Ukraine—this is exactly the commitment made by French President Emmanuel Macron last month.
Macron spoke on the phone with Zelenskyy on Saturday, promising to provide intercept missiles individually, which could help alleviate Ukraine's current shortage of anti-aircraft weapons.
On July 8th of last year, U.S. President Trump said during his meeting with Zelenskyy at the NATO summit that Ukraine would be authorized to produce its own 'Patriot' interceptor missiles.
However, just three weeks later, on July 31st, Trump publicly changed his stance during a cabinet meeting, stating that the United States “has not agreed” to authorize Ukraine to produce such technology. Trump explained that the “Patriot” system involves sensitive core technologies, and said, “People might use the technology you provide against you at some point.”
Zelensky last weekend said that he still hopes to purchase more American-made "Patriot" interceptor missiles, and added that Ukraine is willing to pay for them, rather than receiving them as military aid.
He said, “I hope to obtain 300 ‘Patriot’ missiles for the winter aid program. Our air force’s requirement is 360 missiles.”
Zelensky also said that Ukraine has reached an agreement with France. France will provide at least one set of air defense systems this year, and there is also an agreement with Germany to supply about 600 interceptor missiles between 2027 and 2028.
Macron posted on X platform on the 22nd, saying: "It is crucial to provide Ukraine with all necessary means to defend its airspace security... All countries with the appropriate capabilities should also join this effort."
In contrast, the UK’s declaration is a much larger and longer-term project that could enable Ukraine to manufacture long-range ‘Storm Shadow’ cruise missiles on its own in a few years.
However, this move is likely to further attract criticism from Russia, given the already strained relations between Britain and Russia.
Last week, Russia accused Britain of allowing Ukraine to use British-made drones to carry out attacks, stating that this was an "intentional escalation of conflict". Russia warned that the deeper Britain gets involved, "the higher the costs will be."
This weekend, Russia withdrew its ambassador in London, and no successor has yet been appointed. The Russian Embassy in the UK told BBC that this move does not indicate a intention by both countries to lower the level of diplomatic relations.
Bernam insisted that the threat from Russia will not weaken Britain’s support for Ukraine. He said last week, “We are not just friends in times of ease. We will provide support to Ukraine when it is in trouble, and that won’t change.” He also said he would “100% support Ukraine”.
On the 24th, Bernam used the meeting of the 'Willers Alliance' to emphasize this commitment. The alliance consists of 34 countries including Britain, France, and Germany that promise to assist Ukraine in maintaining security.
This meeting was co-chaired by Bernam and Macron, with Macron participating remotely via video call. German Chancellor František Merkel will also be present during the conversation. Leaders from various countries will discuss "how to help Ukraine counter a recent wave of remote attacks."
Additionally, during his time in Kiev, Bernam is also scheduled to attend the Day of Independence event and receive an award for Britain's support of Ukraine.
