KYIV — Ukraine marked its 35th Independence Day on Monday with European leaders arriving in Kyiv to demonstrate support as the war with Russia continues. British Prime Minister Andy Burnham made his first overseas visit since taking office, meeting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and joining other leaders in discussions on Ukraine’s defence and security.
The visit came as Kyiv faces continued Russian missile and drone attacks and seeks additional air-defence capabilities from its international partners. Burnham used the occasion to announce a new British commitment that could help Ukraine develop domestic production of long-range missiles.
Britain Moves to Support Ukrainian Missile Production
Burnham announced that the UK has agreed to allow defence company MBDA to release classified information concerning British components used in the SCALP long-range missile. The move is intended to support plans by France and Ukraine to establish missile assembly capabilities inside Ukraine.
SCALP is the French counterpart of the British Storm Shadow missile, with the two weapons sharing British and French technology. The British government said releasing the relevant technical information would help advance plans for Ukrainian production.
The announcement represents part of a broader effort by Kyiv’s allies to strengthen Ukraine’s ability to defend itself and develop longer-term military capabilities. Britain has also been working on the development of lower-cost long-range strike weapons for Ukraine.
Burnham’s visit was also intended to reinforce Britain’s political commitment to Ukraine. The British prime minister has maintained that Russian pressure will not cause London to reduce its support for Kyiv.
Zelenskyy Seeks More Air Defence as War Continues
Ukraine’s Independence Day celebrations are taking place against the backdrop of continued Russian attacks and intense fighting along the front. Zelenskyy has repeatedly appealed to European and other international partners for additional air-defence systems, particularly interceptors capable of countering Russian ballistic missiles.
The Ukrainian president has also stressed that Kyiv wants peace but will not accept an agreement that requires surrendering territory. With diplomatic efforts still facing major obstacles, Ukraine is seeking greater military and economic backing from its allies while maintaining pressure for a negotiated end to the conflict.
European leaders have used their presence in Kyiv to underline continued support for Ukraine. European Council President Antonio Costa and several other senior officials were among the international figures visiting the capital for the anniversary.
Coalition of the Willing to Discuss Ukraine’s Security
A meeting of the so-called Coalition of the Willing is also taking place as part of the Independence Day events. Burnham and French President Emmanuel Macron are expected to co-chair discussions, with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and other leaders participating.
The talks are focused on Ukraine’s future security, military assistance and ways European countries can help Kyiv withstand continued Russian attacks. The gathering is another indication that European governments remain focused on supporting Ukraine despite the prolonged conflict and uncertainty surrounding peace negotiations.
For Ukraine, the arrival of European leaders on Independence Day carries both political and symbolic significance. Kyiv is seeking immediate help with air defence while simultaneously building longer-term defence capabilities that could reduce its reliance on foreign weapons supplies.
