In brief
Prime Minister Andy Burnham greeted Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky at 10 Downing Street, marking a rare ceremonial welcome for a foreign head of state. Burnham pledged Britain’s unwavering support and accelerated delivery of air defences, while announcing efforts to rebuild ties between the UK, Ukraine and the United States. Zelensky’s visit comes as Ukraine seeks to consolidate European backing five years into Russia’s ongoing conflict. The discussion also touched on ensuring Ukraine leaves the war ‘not empty‑handed’, and Burnham’s remarks signal strong UK‑US‑Ukrainian cooperation. Further details are covered in BBC World News reports.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham welcomed President Volodymyr Zelensky to Downing Street on Wednesday, as the Ukrainian leader looks to shore up his European allies five years into Russia's war on Ukraine.
Burnham told Zelensky that Britain "would forever stand by you" and that he was accelerating the delivery of air defences to Ukraine.
Burnham previously told MPs that he would try to "repair bridges" between Ukraine and the United States and that Ukraine won't leave "empty-handed".
The two leaders met at No 10 Downing Street where Zelensky was welcomed with a military ceremonial guard – thought to be a first for a foreign leader.
BBC World News correspondent Joe Inwood explains what we know about the meeting.
