Prime Minister Andy Burnham and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy have discussed accelerating British air defence support for Ukraine ahead of winter, following the UK government's announcement of a £45 million package of surface-to-air missiles.
In an official account of their meeting at Downing Street on 14 October, the government said the leaders discussed Ukraine's need for defensive equipment amid continued Russian attacks on civilian and energy infrastructure.
Missile deliveries to be accelerated
The government announced on 13 October that it would accelerate deliveries of British Lightweight Multirole Missiles (LMMs), designed to counter aerial threats including jet-powered drones.
It said £10 million of the newly announced £45 million missile package would be brought forward to address Ukraine's most urgent winter requirements. The government also referred to an existing £1.6 billion commitment to supply more than 5,000 LMMs over four years.
The £45 million package was announced before the leaders' meeting; it should not be counted as an additional funding announcement on 14 October.
Burnham and Zelenskyy discuss winter defence
According to Downing Street's 14 October readout, Burnham outlined the latest LMM package and said the UK would continue developing military solutions for Ukraine, including adapting British capabilities for equipment supplied by other countries.
The leaders also discussed how Britain could accelerate defensive support involving long-range missiles before winter. The government said it would continue diplomatic efforts to secure additional defensive equipment from international partners.
Downing Street did not announce a separate new long-range missile delivery schedule or a further quantified funding package in the meeting readout.
Further sanctions and assistance under consideration
In its 13 October announcement, the government said Burnham had asked ministers to prepare further sanctions, military assistance and financial support packages in the coming weeks. These were described as prospective measures, rather than measures already introduced.
The announcements come as the UK seeks to maintain pressure on Russia and support Ukraine's defences against attacks on its cities and energy network.