UK Pledges 'Unbreakable' Support for Ukraine on 35th Independence Anniversary
As Ukraine marks the 35th anniversary of its independence, British leaders have reiterated their steadfast support for the country, with Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband vowing that the bond between Britain and Ukraine is "unbreakable and built to last."
Speaking ahead of the anniversary, Miliband praised the solidarity shown by the British people and highlighted the broader significance of Ukraine's struggle. "Tomorrow, as Ukraine marks the 35th anniversary of its independence, celebrating its sovereignty, identity and culture, the United Kingdom stands proudly alongside the Ukrainian people," he said.
He added: "This day serves as a powerful reminder of the extraordinary strength Ukrainians have shown in defending their country in the face of Russian attack. I pay tribute to their immense and enduring courage."
Miliband framed Ukraine's defence as a matter of European security, saying: "Ukraine's defence of its freedom and self-determination matters to us all because of the values they are fighting for and because of what this conflict means for our security in Europe. British people have time and again shown their solidarity with the people of Ukraine during this conflict."
He pledged continued support: "We will continue to help Ukraine strengthen its security, and work with international partners to ensure Russia faces accountability for its aggression. Our bond is unbreakable and built to last."
UK Officials Mark Anniversary in London and Kyiv
Defence Secretary Wes Streeting is set to attend a candle-lighting ceremony at the Ukrainian Cathedral of the Holy Family in London to mark the anniversary, where he will pay tribute to Ukraine's resolve. Meanwhile, the Prime Minister is scheduled to co-chair a call of the Coalition of the Willing on Monday.
Earlier this week, Andy Burnham warned Vladimir Putin that Britain will continue to "support Ukraine 100%" after Russia threatened the UK over drone strikes.
Streeting said: "Thirty-five years ago, Ukraine [declared its independence]..." (the full quote was not available in the provided text).
Prime Minister Burnham in Kyiv
Prime Minister Andy Burnham is visiting Kyiv today, where he took part in Independence Day celebrations at Sophia Square and attended a meeting of the Coalition of the Willing. During a bilateral meeting, President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed Ukraine's deep gratitude for Britain's support.
"We are very glad that you are here. We are very grateful to you and truly love your country," Zelensky said. "You have helped us so much. This is not only about military or financial assistance, not only about everything you have supplied to Ukraine; it is about clear and strong support from the very beginning of this war."
Zelensky recalled that at the start of the full-scale invasion, many leaders hesitated, but Britain stood firm. "At that moment, your country was very strong and clearly stood on our side, and we will never forget that," he stressed.
He expressed gratitude to the United Kingdom, its government and His Majesty for their position, and said he was pleased to see the Prime Minister in Kyiv on Ukraine's most important day – Independence Day.
Focus on Sanctions and Technology
In his remarks, Prime Minister Burnham stressed the need to impose sanctions on supply chains for dual-use goods to Russia, destroy missiles before they are launched, and help Ukraine develop new technologies.
The Ministry of Defence is hosting a photographic exhibition and panel discussion at the National Army Museum, showcasing the UK's training effort for Ukraine's Armed Forces through Operation Interflex. Launched in June 2022, Operation Interflex has now trained more than 67,000 Ukrainian defenders. Selected images from the exhibition are expected to travel to Kyiv in October, marking Ukrainian Defenders Day.