Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy made his first international visit since the formation of the new British government, meeting Prime Minister Andy Burnham in Portsmouth on Monday. Burnham pledged unwavering military and diplomatic backing, announcing the transfer of advanced electronic warfare technology as the UK reaffirmed its commitment to Kyiv.
Portsmouth Summit Highlights Unwavering UK Support
Volodymyr Zelenskyy traveled to the United Kingdom on Monday as the first international leader to visit Prime Minister Andy Burnham since he entered No. 10. Meeting at a naval base in Portsmouth, the two leaders sought to signal continuity in bilateral relations following recent political transitions in London.
Burnham emphasized that the timing of the visit was deliberate, designed to demonstrate that British backing remains resolute. Volodymyr, you are the first leader I have welcomed in person since taking office, and that is no accident,
Burnham told reporters, adding that the UK stands shoulder to shoulder with Ukraine.
“To put it simply, Volodymyr, I want you to know that we’ve got your back, you can count on me and you can count on us. You can count on the UK for as long as it takes.”
Andy Burnham, UK Prime Minister, via BBC
Zelenskyy reciprocated the sentiment during the discussions, stating that bilateral ties between London and Kyiv are stronger than ever. The Ukrainian leader also acknowledged his administration’s close ties with Burnham’s predecessor, expressing confidence that the change in leadership would not disrupt military or diplomatic cooperation.
Transfer of ‘Stone Cloak’ Electronic Warfare Technology
A core tangible outcome of Monday’s summit involves military hardware and intellectual property sharing. Burnham announced that Britain will hand over the proprietary designs for its new “Stone Cloak” electronic warfare system, enabling Ukrainian defense manufacturers to produce the equipment at scale.
Roughly the size of a tablet computer, the Stone Cloak jammers are designed to block detection of drones they are fitted to. The UK Ministry of Defence has already supplied thousands of the devices to bolster front-line drone operations, according to government statements released during the visit.
Downing Street confirmed that following its battlefield deployment in Ukraine, the technology will be integrated into the next generation of British long-range weapons. This integration includes Project Brakestop, an active government program aimed at developing low-cost cruise missiles.
Joint Naval Exercises and Military Personnel Review
During the Portsmouth visit, Burnham and Zelenskyy inspected more than 200 Ukrainian military personnel who spent three weeks participating in Exercise Sea Breeze. The maritime training program focuses on strengthening warfighting capabilities and counter-mine measures in the Black Sea.
The emphasis on maritime security comes alongside broader diplomatic efforts. Burnham stated that the UK will actively support diplomatic channels aimed at securing a full and unconditional ceasefire, maintaining pressure while ensuring Ukraine retains a central voice in any future negotiations.
Intense Overnight Drone Attacks Precede Talks
The diplomatic meeting unfolded against a backdrop of heavy aerial bombardments across Eastern Europe and the Caspian region. The Ukrainian air force reported that Russia launched 147 long-range strike drones overnight, of which 123 were intercepted or jammed.
Regional strikes exacted a heavy toll on civilian infrastructure. In Zaporizhzhia, regional administration head Ivan Fedorov reported that one person was killed and two others injured following attacks that damaged residential high-rises. In the Nikopol district, strikes damaged a kindergarten and residential buildings, injuring a woman and a 6-year-old boy, according to administration head Oleksandr Hanzha.
Simultaneously, Russian authorities reported significant counter-attacks. Russia’s Defense Ministry claimed air defenses downed 276 Ukrainian drones overnight, with regional officials in Rostov-on-Don and Belgorod reporting multiple civilian casualties and structural damage.
Defense Spending Commitments and Future Outlook
Addressing domestic fiscal priorities alongside international alliances, Burnham used recent interviews to reiterate the government’s commitment to defense investment. Downing Street intends to maintain plans to spend 3.5% of gross domestic product on defense by 2035, building upon agreements made at last year’s NATO summit in The Hague.
Chancellor John Healey and the prime minister are working to ensure these military expansion plans are fully funded ahead of the autumn budget. Meanwhile, Zelenskyy indicated that future bilateral cooperation will likely expand into joint manufacturing ventures, including proposals to build a big factory in Britain utilizing battle-tested Ukrainian innovations.
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