Burnham went to Kyiv. Now comes the harder journey to Washington

Andriy Dovbenko | 16th September 2026 | Defence, International, Kyiv
Photo by Henry Nicholls - WPA Pool/Getty Images
Photo by Henry Nicholls - WPA Pool/Getty Images

The Prime Minister’s first foreign visit was a welcome act of solidarity. But for Ukraine, British friendship will be judged by whether it can help unlock the air defence the country needs, writes Andriy Dovbenko.

I was genuinely pleased to see Andy Burnham choose Kyiv for his first overseas visit as Prime Minister. As a Ukrainian who lives and works in London, I do not dismiss gestures. The choice of destination mattered. So did the informality. The polo shirt and the guitar felt more human than another lectern, another flag arrangement and another carefully sanded declaration of concern.   But despite the commonly expressed criticism, I would argue it also had substance. Britain is helping Ukraine take forward local assembly of the Storm Shadow/SCALP missile, while the new AI partnership recognises that Ukraine is now contributing to European security with concrete steps. The Prime Minister deserves credit for this. Still, while I applaud the visit, I must ask what must follow. 

"Ukraine is holding its own on the ground, but the aerial war has become radically more difficult"

Ukraine is holding its own on the ground, but the aerial war has become radically more difficult. Russ...

Subscribe to The Mace

Join the member community shaping British politics and stay ahead of what's really happening in the world of politics and public affairs, with expert analysis, breaking news, and insider insights from Westminster and Brussels. The Mace is the leading news source and resource for the government affairs industry, offering required reading and lobby intelligence for professionals.

To see what you are missing out on by not subscribing to The Mace, click here to download our full membership info-pack. This includes having no paywall on op-ed content or profiles/interviews, allowing professional profiles to be read with maximum impact and visibility by government, special advisers, MPs, peers, civil servants, and policy and political decision-makers.



Lecornu scrambles to build government as France faces budget showdown

Mace | October 12, 2025

Reappointed French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu unveiled his second cabinet and must deliver the 2026 budget within days. With opposition parties preparing a no-confidence motion and markets showing

Rebuilding Ukraine’s future with music and memory

Sophia Ibrahim | October 9, 2025

As Ukraine rebuilds from war, music is emerging as a vital force for healing, unity and national renewal.

France’s Flash‑Collapse Deepens Market Jitters

Mace | October 6, 2025

France’s prime minister and cabinet resigned mere hours after appointment, the shortest premiership in the Fifth Republic. Markets sold off, bond yields surged, and the euro weakened. The

Mega‑Deals Surge Again in Global M&A Landscape

Mace | September 30, 2025

Mega‑mergers are surging in 2025, with Q3 deal values exceeding $1 trillion. Big names include Union Pacific’s $85 billion rail deal, Synopsys acquiring Ansys, and the creation of Paramount Skydance.

Li Qiang at the U.N.: China’s pitch for multilateralism and global AI

Thomas Edwards | September 27, 2025

China’s Premier Li Qiang addressed the U.N. to advocate deeper international cooperation, reject protectionism, and propose new institutions for global AI governance.

Boris Johnson and Ukrainian Ambassador speak out in London as Trump does Ukraine U-turn

William Cash | September 24, 2025

Boris Johnson has urged the West to show greater resolve in supporting Ukraine, speaking at a London exhibition opened by General Zaluzhnyi.

UK formally recognises State of Palestine to bolster two‑state solution

Mace | September 23, 2025

The UK has recognised Palestine as an independent state using the 1967 borders, alongside Australia and Canada. The recognition grants legal statehood, comes amid criticism of Israeli actions,

Bayrou’s Government Collapses After Confidence Vote Defeat as Macron Faces Renewed Crisis

Mace | September 8, 2025

France’s Prime Minister has been ousted after losing a confidence vote over a failed austerity budget. The collapse leaves President Macron facing the task of appointing yet another

Norway Climbs Further on Oil and Gas

Thomas Edwards | September 3, 2025

Norway is ramping up investment in oil and gas even amid green energy expansion. Output continues to exceed expectations, with new licensing rounds and record field development. Political

Air Cover Not Ground Troops: U.S. Pivots Ukraine Security Approach

Mace | August 20, 2025

President Trump ruled out deploying U.S. ground troops to Ukraine but left air support on the table. Discussions are ongoing between U.S. and European planners to structure security