Zelensky to visit UK as Prime Minister Burnham unveils Stone Cloak defence partnership
The Ukrainian president will become Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s first international guest as Britain expands military cooperation by sharing advanced drone-jamming technology with Kyiv.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky meets UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham during his visit to Britain.
LONDON: Zelensky will visit the United Kingdom on Monday as the first international leader to meet newly appointed Prime Minister Andy Burnham, underscoring Britain’s continued support for Ukraine amid its war with Russia.
Downing Street said the visit reflects the close relationship between the two countries and their shared commitment to strengthening Ukraine’s defence capabilities.
UK to share Stone Cloak technology
During the visit, Burnham and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky will tour a British naval base.
The prime minister will announce that the UK will share the intellectual property behind its Stone Cloak electronic warfare system with Ukraine.
The agreement will allow Ukraine to manufacture the drone-jamming technology on a larger scale to support its military operations.
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Drone defence system proven on battlefield
The Stone Cloak system consists of compact electronic jammers roughly the size of a tablet computer.
The devices prevent enemy forces from detecting drones equipped with the technology.
The UK Ministry of Defence has already supplied thousands of Stone Cloak systems to Ukrainian forces operating on the front lines.
Downing Street also confirmed that the technology will become part of Britain’s next generation of long-range weapons, including the Project Brakestop cruise missile programme.
Burnham reaffirms support for Ukraine
Ahead of the visit, Burnham described Britain’s backing for Ukraine as unwavering.
“My support for Ukraine is unwavering. It is 100%,” he said in an interview with the BBC.
In a separate statement, Burnham called Stone Cloak an example of British innovation that would strengthen the security of both nations.
Military cooperation continues
The two leaders will also meet more than 200 Ukrainian military personnel currently training in the United Kingdom.
The troops recently completed Exercise Sea Breeze, a maritime exercise designed to improve combat operations and counter-mine capabilities in the Black Sea.
The programme forms part of Britain’s wider military assistance to Ukraine.
Britain maintains long-term commitment
The UK has remained one of Ukraine’s strongest allies since Russia launched its full-scale invasion four years ago.
London has committed £25 billion in military and financial support for Ukraine’s defence.
Soon after becoming prime minister, Burnham spoke with Zelensky and invited him to visit the UK at the earliest opportunity.
Zelensky welcomed the invitation and expressed confidence that relations between Kyiv and London would remain strong despite political changes.
He said he hoped the partnership would continue during and after the war.
