UK Prime Minister Visits Kyiv

The UK prime minister met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Kyiv on Thursday during a final visit as head of government. Russian missile and drone strikes hit at least two districts in the capital early the same day, starting fires at warehouses and damaging a school.

Ukraine's air force reported one ballistic missile and 25 drones struck 17 locations in Ukraine, with debris reported at 10 sites.

The Russian Defence Ministry stated the targets were military manufacturing facilities producing long-range missiles and drones. Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko said two warehouses near the west of the city were hit and debris landed on the bank of the Dnipro River.

The prime minister stated that Britain and its allies would always stand against Russian aggression and that the UK's cast-iron support for Ukraine would endure. He highlighted a 100-year partnership signed during his term and efforts to establish a future peacekeeping force.

The prime minister also noted that the first of 150 British-made artillery barrels are being supplied under a £61 million contract with BAE Systems.

“I am so proud of what Britain has contributed. That work will continue, and our cast-iron support for Ukraine will always endure," the prime minister said. The visit occurred days before Andy Burnham is scheduled to become Labour leader on Friday and formally take office as prime minister on Monday. Business Secretary Peter Kyle rejected suggestions that the trip served as a job interview for a future NATO role.”