UK Prime Minister Burnham in Kyiv, Shares Missile Tech, Russia Warns

UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham arrived in Kyiv on August 24, 2026, for his first foreign visit, announcing the UK's decision to share classified information on British components for the long-range Scalp missile with Ukraine.

This allows European defense firm MBDA to release details for local production in Ukraine. The Scalp missile, known as Storm Shadow in the UK, is a conventionally armed, long-range, deep-strike weapon with a maximum range of 550 kilometers and a 400-kilogram high-explosive penetrating warhead. France and Kyiv aim to establish an Ukrainian production line for the missile by the end of the year.

Ukraine has used imported versions with success against hardened targets, including inside Russia in November 2024. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated Russia considers Britain a participant in the war on the side of the Kyiv regime. Peskov accused Britain of methodically and regularly pours fuel on the fire and plots to prevent any progress in the peace process.

He added that Russian armed forces intend to identify and destroy production sites for such missiles and other military equipment. Prime Minister Burnham called Russia's threats outrageous and insisted there would be no let-up in UK support for Ukraine. Mr. Burnham laid a wreath and flowers at the graves of Ukrainian soldiers at the National Military Cemetery.

Mr. Burnham co-chairs a Coalition of the Willing meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, aimed at strengthening support for Ukraine and increasing pressure on Russia. President Macron announced France would provide additional interceptor missiles to Kyiv. The meeting coincides with Ukraine's 35th anniversary of independence. Russia withdrew its ambassador, Andrey Kelin, from London on July 21, with the Russian embassy stating relations have deteriorated to an unprecedentedly low level. Russia has not yet submitted a replacement candidate to the Foreign Office.