Andy Burnham announced his strong support for Ukraine as Volodymyr Zelensky, the President of Ukraine, travels to the UK for a meeting.
Call for More Sanctions
Burnham, in a statement ahead of Zelensky's visit to Downing Street, called for strengthening sanctions against Russia and emphasized to Vladimir Putin, the President of Russia, that he must agree to an energy ceasefire. This is Zelensky's first visit to a European capital since Donald Trump temporarily lifted sanctions on Russian diesel.
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Support for Ukraine
In this statement, Burnham said: "Our strong support for Ukraine is vital for our security in the UK and to ensure that those on the front lines of the war have the necessary equipment to confront Russia." He also added: "My message to the people of Ukraine is clear, we will stand with you whenever needed, and our support for backing your brave fight for peace in Europe will be greater and faster. This is not only the right thing to do, but it is necessary. We must not allow Russia's aggression to succeed on our continent."
Downing Street has also announced that the UK Prime Minister has asked his ministers to prepare proposals for further sanctions, military aid, and financial packages to support Ukraine in the coming weeks.
UK Military Aid
The UK has also announced £45 million in surface-to-air missiles and a ban on the export of liquefied natural gas (LNG) from Russia. Additionally, the UK plans to expedite the delivery of over 5,000 lightweight multipurpose missiles to Ukraine over the next four years with funding of £1.6 billion.
John Healey, the Chancellor, has urged other countries at his meetings at the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in Bangkok to impose equivalent sanctions on liquefied natural gas to reduce the financial resources that Putin heavily relies on.
European leaders are also expected to support stronger sanctions against Moscow at the European Council meeting on Thursday, following Trump's agreement with Russia to ease restrictions on the country's diesel exports.
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