UK to Fast-Track Air Defense Missiles for Ukraine as Burnham Hosts Zelensky in London

British Prime Minister Andy Burnham will host President Volodymyr Zelensky at Downing Street on Wednesday, Oct. 14, with London announcing accelerated air defense missile deliveries and plans for further sanctions against Russia.

The visit comes as Moscow intensifies attacks on Ukrainian cities and energy infrastructure, prompting Britain to reaffirm its “rock-solid support” for Kyiv.

According to a British government statement published Tuesday, Burnham has instructed ministers to prepare additional sanctions, military assistance and financial support packages for Ukraine in the coming weeks.

“Our rock-solid support to Ukraine is vital for keeping us safe here in the UK and ensuring those on the frontlines have the equipment they need to push back Russia,” Burnham said.

The British government said it would accelerate deliveries of Lightweight Multirole Missiles (LMMs), which have proved effective against jet-powered Russian drones capable of flying faster and higher than conventional Shahed-type drones.

Britain announced £45 million (approximately $60 million) in surface-to-air missile deliveries, including £10 million (approximately $13 million) to be accelerated to address Ukraine’s urgent winter defense requirements.

The deliveries form part of an existing £1.6 billion (approximately $2.1 billion) commitment to supply more than 5,000 LMMs over four years.

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Britain pushes for tougher sanctions on Russia

London is also pressing international partners to increase economic pressure on Moscow and support a ban on maritime services used to export Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG).

Chancellor John Healey is expected to raise the issue during International Monetary Fund meetings in Bangkok, urging other countries to adopt restrictions similar to those planned by Britain.

The proposed measures would limit Russia’s access to British shipping and insurance services, restricting a source of revenue supporting Moscow’s war effort.

Healey called for international backing to reduce the financial resources available to the Kremlin.

“I urge partners to back the ban on Russian LNG, like we have done in the UK, to curtail the war chest funding Putin so desperately wants,” he said.

Visit follows renewed Russian energy strikes

The announcement follows fresh Russian ballistic missile strikes on Kyiv, including an attack on the CHP-4 power plant, as Ukraine faces continued threats to its energy system ahead of winter.

Britain is calling on Moscow to respect US President Donald Trump’s proposal for an energy ceasefire, which Kyiv has said it supports.

Burnham previously discussed the proposal with Zelensky during an Oct. 10 telephone call, when both leaders called for an immediate halt to Russian strikes on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure and attacks on shipping in the Black Sea.

The two leaders also met during the UN General Assembly in September, where they discussed sanctions, Ukraine’s winter energy needs and efforts to bring Russia to meaningful peace negotiations.

Ahead of his meeting with Zelensky, Burnham reaffirmed Britain’s commitment to Ukraine.

“My message to the Ukrainian people could not be clearer, we are with you for as long as it takes, and we will go further and faster in our support to back your courageous fight for peace in Europe.”

“It is not just the right thing to do, but it’s the necessary thing to do. Russia’s aggression cannot be allowed to succeed on our continent.”