Andy Burnham, in his first international engagement as Prime Minister, will travel to Kyiv on Monday. This significant visit aims to unequivocally reaffirm the United Kingdom's steadfast commitment to Ukraine and coincide with the nation's Independence Day celebrations.

During his trip, the Prime Minister is scheduled to lead the inaugural meeting of the 'coalition of the willing.' This alliance, initially established by the UK and France under his predecessor, Sir Keir Starmer, underscores continued international cooperation.

Further underscoring the UK's solidarity, Burnham will accept an award on behalf of the British people, acknowledging the nation's extensive support for Ukraine. He will also participate in events marking Ukraine's Independence Day.

The visit comes at a critical juncture, as the UK reiterates its backing for Kyiv in light of intensifying Russian assaults on Ukraine in recent weeks. This includes a particularly devastating strike on a shopping center on Friday, which resulted in at least 16 fatalities.

Speaking ahead of his Monday visit, Burnham stated: "On Ukraine's 35th anniversary of independence, the Ukrainian people should be in no doubt: the UK is behind you today and for as long as it takes."

"I am proud of the contribution our country has made to Ukraine, and I want the Ukrainian people to hear it directly from me that our support will not waver. After all, Ukraine's security is our security."

He emphasized that the strong bond between Ukraine and the UK would endure far beyond Russia's illegitimate conflict. "Russia should be in no doubt of our resolve. We will not back down until there is a just and lasting peace," he added.

This visit follows warnings from Moscow regarding "consequences" due to Ukraine's utilization of British drones in its recent, escalated strikes targeting Russian infrastructure.

Ukraine has notably increased its long-range attacks on Moscow and other Russian territories, targeting vital facilities such as oil refineries and the warehouses of Wildberries, the country's largest online retailer.

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English Translation:

UK Prime Minister's First Foreign Visit: Solidarity Visit to Kyiv

Andy Burnham, marking his first foreign trip as Prime Minister, will travel to Kyiv on Monday to reaffirm the UK's unwavering support for Ukraine and to honor the country's Independence Day.

The Prime Minister is set to chair his first meeting of the 'coalition of the willing,' an initiative established by the UK and France under his predecessor, Sir Keir Starmer.

He is also expected to accept an award on behalf of the British people, recognizing the UK's support for Ukraine, and will participate in Independence Day events.

Burnham's visit will underscore the UK's continued backing for Kyiv, particularly in the wake of escalating Russian strikes on Ukraine in recent weeks, including a deadly attack on a shopping center on Friday that claimed at least 16 lives.

Ahead of Monday's visit, Burnham stated: "On Ukraine's 35th anniversary of independence, the Ukrainian people should be in no doubt: the UK is behind you today and for as long as it takes."

"I am proud of the contribution our country has made to Ukraine, and I want the Ukrainian people to hear it directly from me that our support will not waver. After all, Ukraine's security is our security."

He asserted that the friendship between Ukraine and the UK would "long outlast Russia's illegal war," adding: "Russia should be in no doubt of our resolve. We will not back down until there is a just and lasting peace."

This comes after Moscow issued warnings of "consequences" regarding Ukraine's use of British drones in its recent intensified strikes on Russian infrastructure.

Kyiv has stepped up its long-range attacks on Moscow and other Russian regions, targeting oil refineries and the warehouses of Wildberries, Russia's largest online retailer.