Enduring UK-Ukraine Alliance to Thrive Under My Leadership, 26 July 2026

Prime Minister Andy Burnham is set to welcome President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine, marking the Ukrainian leader as his first international visitor since assuming office. The meeting, scheduled for today, aims to reinforce the UK’s steadfast support for Ukraine amidst the ongoing conflict and beyond.

Strengthening Bilateral Relations

The visit highlights the robust ties between the UK and Ukraine, occurring merely a week after Burnham took office. During a military visit, the Prime Minister will express his commitment to maintaining an unbreakable bond between the two nations. The leaders are expected to convene at a naval base, where they will receive insights from both Ukrainian and British personnel regarding the impactful training being provided to the Ukrainian armed forces in the UK.

In conjunction with this significant meeting, the UK has announced the sharing of intellectual property related to a new British innovation, known as Stone Cloak. This initiative aims to enhance Ukraine’s defensive capabilities at the front lines. Prime Minister Burnham asserted, “Britain stands with Ukraine, shoulder to shoulder, and our support remains unwavering. Russia should be in no doubt of our resolve, and we will not back down until we achieve a long-lasting and just peace for Ukraine.”

Introducing Stone Cloak: A New Defence Capability

Stone Cloak represents the pinnacle of British innovation, having been tested successfully on the battlefield. This advanced electronic jammer, comparable in size to a tablet computer, disrupts Russian air defence systems, preventing them from effectively tracking and targeting the drones it is deployed with. This development exemplifies the ongoing collaboration and rapid technological advancements between the UK and Ukraine, as part of the 100 Year Partnership initiative.

Following its deployment in Ukraine, Stone Cloak is anticipated to be integrated into the next generation of UK deep-strike capabilities, thus bolstering national security and enhancing the UK’s military assets, including Project Brakestop, the nation’s new low-cost cruise missile system. By sharing intellectual property, Ukraine will be empowered to mass-produce Stone Cloak, thereby fortifying its front-line defences and contributing to European security.

Continued Commitment to Ukrainian Support

Thousands of these electronic jammers have already been supplied to Ukraine by the Ministry of Defence, enabling its armed forces to sustain drone operations while pushing back against Russia’s unlawful invasion. During today’s meeting, the Prime Minister and President Zelenskyy will engage with over 200 Ukrainian military personnel and sailors who have been in the UK for the past three weeks, participating in Exercise Sea Breeze—a maritime security and counter-mine exercise designed to prepare for upcoming missions in the Black Sea.

This exercise is part of the comprehensive support the UK provides to Ukraine, which includes an annual commitment of £3 billion for as long as necessary. Since the onset of Russia’s full-scale invasion, the UK’s total assistance to Ukraine has reached £25 billion, comprising £16 billion in military aid and £5.6 billion in non-military support. By investing in defence, the government aims to drive economic growth and create opportunities across the country.