PM Burnham: UK stands with Ukraine '100%' amid drone strike tensions
PM Burnham says UK supports Ukraine '100%' and defends handling of messages with an impostor posing as a White House official.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham has reiterated Britain's full backing for Ukraine, saying the country is "not fair-weather friends" and will remain steadfast in its support. His comments come after Moscow threatened consequences over reported use of British-supplied drones in strikes deep inside Russian territory.
Speaking to broadcasters in Wolverhampton on Tuesday, Burnham said: "This is the UK doing what it has long said it would do, which is to support Ukraine 100% against this illegal war led by Vladimir Putin." He added that providing support so Ukraine can defend itself has been the British position throughout the conflict, under previous prime ministers as well as his own government.
The Prime Minister also addressed reports that he exchanged messages with someone pretending to be White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles. Burnham said the exchange was "minimal" and of "zero consequence," and that he reported it quickly. "I handled it in the right way," he said, noting that all politicians face such pressures and challenges.
His remarks underline the continuity of UK policy on Ukraine even as the government faces new diplomatic and security challenges.