Amid tensions between Britain and Russia: Zelensky to meet with Burnham

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is expected to meet in London with British Prime Minister Andy Burnham, against the backdrop of intensified Russian attacks and efforts to expand military aid. Burnham announced a £45 million aid package including missiles for intercepting drones. The meeting comes after Burnham accused Russia of interfering in the Brexit referendum, and amid MI5 warnings about Russian activity in Europe.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is expected to meet today (Wednesday) in London with British Prime Minister Andy Burnham. The meeting takes place against the backdrop of intensified Russian attacks in Ukraine and efforts to expand military aid to Kyiv. Burnham announced an additional military aid package worth £45 million, including missiles for intercepting Russian drones, with £10 million to be expedited. "My message to the Ukrainian people could not be clearer: we are with you for as long as it takes," Burnham said ahead of the meeting. The meeting comes days after Burnham accused Russia of interfering in the 2016 Brexit referendum. Head of British security service MI5, Ken McCallum, confirmed that Russia attempted to influence public discourse through Kremlin-affiliated media outlets, including RT, as well as through bots and trolls on social networks, but downplayed the significance of the activity and stressed there is no evidence that the interference affected the vote outcome. McCallum also warned of increased Russian activity against European countries through hybrid warfare.