London fast-tracks anti-drone missiles for Ukraine amid US tension
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky secured accelerated British air defence missile shipments on Tuesday during high-level London talks with Prime Minister Andy Burnham and King Charles III.
The wartime visit coincides with mounting diplomatic friction with Washington. Donald Trump’s administration has pressed Kyiv to halt deep strikes on Russian oil refineries, threatening to suspend intelligence sharing and weapon consignments if attacks persist.
Royal audience and military honours
King Charles III first received Zelensky at Buckingham Palace ahead of bilateral government talks, The Kyiv Independent reported.
“I thank His Majesty King Charles III for the audience,” Zelensky posted on X. “It is important for me to have the opportunity to personally thank him for his steadfast support for Ukraine.”
Burnham subsequently welcomed the Ukrainian leader with a ceremonial military guard—the first such honour extended to a visiting foreign dignitary, according to the BBC. Ahead of their meeting, Burnham reaffirmed that British backing for Kyiv remains unwavering.
Countering high-speed drone barrages
Downing Street unveiled a £45 million (approx. $60 million) air defence missile package as Ukraine braces for renewed winter strikes against its power grid. Moscow has increasingly deployed faster, jet-powered drones that evade conventional interceptors far behind front lines.
To counter immediate threats, Britain will fast-track an initial £10 million (approx. $13 million) consignment of Lightweight Multirole Missiles (LMM). The system has proven effective against high-speed aerial targets striking Kyiv and regional hubs.
“I am announcing that we are accelerating the delivery of British-made air defence systems to Ukraine,” Burnham told reporters alongside Zelensky. The prime minister added that London would actively work to mend diplomatic relations between Kyiv and Washington.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
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