New UK premier reaffirms 'resolute commitment' to Ukraine

British Prime Minister Andy Burnham on Monday reassured Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of his "resolute commitment" to Ukraine during their first phone conversation since taking office, promising that London would maintain its hard line against Moscow.

Reaffirming support for Kyiv

During his conversation with Zelenskyy, Burnham offered condolences to the families of Ukrainians killed in recent Russian attacks, according to a statement from his office. The new premier told Zelenskyy that "there would be absolutely no change in the UK’s approach, including when it came to bearing down on Russia," while reaffirming what he called his "resolute commitment" to Ukraine.

Burnham invited the Ukrainian leader to visit London at the earliest opportunity to discuss deepening defence ties. "The Prime Minister invited President Zelenskyy to the UK at the earliest opportunity and looked forward to discussing how the two nations can strengthen defence for both Ukraine and Europe as a whole," his office said.

Reset with Brussels

In a separate call with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Burnham emphasized his intention to build a closer relationship with the 27-member bloc. "Building a closer and ambitious relationship was key to delivery in both the UK and Europe," the British premier told von der Leyen.

The pair agreed that their teams would work toward organizing a UK-EU Summit later this year. On Ukraine, Burnham underlined that the UK’s "steadfast commitment to Ukraine would be ironclad" under his new government.

Transatlantic security

Earlier on Monday, Burnham also held a phone call with US President Donald Trump to discuss defense, security and the situation in the Strait of Hormuz, Downing Street said.