Burnham says UK with Ukraine ‘all the way’ despite ‘outrageous threats’ from Russia – Europe live
NEWS | 24 August 2026
From 2h ago 07.23 EDT 'We are with you in this struggle all the way, Burnham tells Ukraine Burnham continues by saying that “Ukraine has been Europe’s protector, not a drain on our security, but the frontline of keeping Europe safe.” “That’s why I believe the Ukrainian people deserve not just our continued support, but our gratitude and our respect.” He congratulates Ukraine on its Independence Day on behalf of the UK. He repeats that the UK believes recognises Ukraine’s “independence and sovereignty in full,” and believes that “international borders cannot be changed by force.” He tells “the people of this country, from Lviv to Luhansk, … that we are with you in this struggle all the way, heart and soul.” He says he sees “an unbroken country” in Ukraine, as he pledges continued support for Ukraine. “We will continue to build the 100 year partnership between our two countries, bringing together our cities and our schools, our businesses and our communities, learning from each other and growing together for decades to come. And despite Russia’s outrageous threats to my country, we will continue our support for Ukraine’s defence.” Share now 09.00 EDT In some non-Ukraine news, Dutch broadcaster Avrotros announced Monday that it is boycotting the Eurovision Song Contest for a second year over Israel’s participation. Broadcasters in the Netherlands, Iceland, Ireland, Slovenia and Spain had refused to take part in this year’s contest for this reason. “The Eurovision Song Contest was originally created to bring people and countries together,” Avrotros director-general Taco Zimmerman said in a statement. “It is undeniable that international conflicts are increasingly affecting the contest, undermining its neutral character. The Eurovision Song Contest has therefore become a platform for division.” In 2022, the European Broadcasting Union made the decision to ban Russia from competing in the song contest over the invasion of Ukraine. Share 17m ago 08.43 EDT The attacks on Chernihiv on Monday are just the latest in Russia’s recent barrage of ballistic attacks. The Guardian’s Dan Sabbagh reports that in July alone – the last full month for which figures are available – 437 civilians were killed across Ukraine and 2,610 injured according to UN figures. It’s the highest number recorded killed since May 2022. “Previously, the Russians would strike the Kyiv region at night. Now it’s three or four hours, then a strike; another three or four hours, then another strike. Whether it’s morning or daytime – it makes no difference now,” said Viktoriia Ruban, the spokesperson for Ukraine’s state emergency services in Kyiv region. As Russian missiles rain down on Kyiv, casualties mount and the mood darkens Read more Share 32m ago 08.28 EDT As European leaders gathered in Kyiv to mark Ukraine’s Independence Day, less than 100 miles (150 kilometres) north, the city of Chernihiv was attacked by Russian forces. Across three waves of attacks, a Russian drone struck an apartment building, injuring 18, the Chernihiv city council posted on Telegram. Two of the injured were children. Share 1h ago 07.43 EDT 'Who started the fire?' Burnham hits back at Kremlin's warnings UK prime minister Andy Burnham hit back at the Kremlin after Vladimir Putin’s spokesperson Dmitry Peskov accused Britain of adding fuel to the fire of Russia’s war (11:28). “Who started the fire? That’s the question, isn’t it,” Burnham told reporters in Kyiv on Monday, PA reported. Share 1h ago 07.36 EDT 'Russia will not prevail,' EU's Costa says, as he pledges to support Ukraine 'as long as necessary' In his speech, EU’s Costa also pays tribute to Ukraine and the Ukrainian people for their “courage and bravery,” which he says “inspire the world.” “We will continue to provide as much support as necessary for as long as necessary,” he pledges, and says this extends beyond the war and into future Ukraine’s membership of the EU. “The international law must prevail. Russia will not prevail,” he says. “The European Union cannot be neutral when international law is being violated. We are not neutral. We are Ukrainian supporters.” Share Updated at 07.36 EDT 2h ago 07.26 EDT 'The cry for sovereignty and independence ... is stronger than ever and will never be silenced,' Burnham says Burnham says “we all know already that Russia cannot win this war.” “The cry for sovereignty and independence 35 years ago is stronger today than ever, and it will never be silenced. You are asking for nothing more than the chance to live your lives in peace, to build a better future for yourselves and for your children. To hold your own future in your own hands. This is your right. This is what you deserve, and we will be with you all the way until that day comes.” He receives a very warm applause for this speech. European Council’s António Costa is up next. Share 2h ago 07.23 EDT 'We are with you in this struggle all the way, Burnham tells Ukraine Burnham continues by saying that “Ukraine has been Europe’s protector, not a drain on our security, but the frontline of keeping Europe safe.” “That’s why I believe the Ukrainian people deserve not just our continued support, but our gratitude and our respect.” He congratulates Ukraine on its Independence Day on behalf of the UK. He repeats that the UK believes recognises Ukraine’s “independence and sovereignty in full,” and believes that “international borders cannot be changed by force.” He tells “the people of this country, from Lviv to Luhansk, … that we are with you in this struggle all the way, heart and soul.” He says he sees “an unbroken country” in Ukraine, as he pledges continued support for Ukraine. “We will continue to build the 100 year partnership between our two countries, bringing together our cities and our schools, our businesses and our communities, learning from each other and growing together for decades to come. And despite Russia’s outrageous threats to my country, we will continue our support for Ukraine’s defence.” Share 2h ago 07.21 EDT Burnham is speaking now (well, not now now as explained earlier 12:11, but you know what I mean). He says it’s “an honour” to be in Kyiv to mark the 35 years “since this country took control of its own destiny.” “But we know you have had to earn it again and again. Since the early days, you have dealt with attacks on your language, your culture and your elections. You have endured 12 years of naked aggression, the occupation of Crimea, and now four and a half years of Russia’s full scale invasion, all aimed at crushing the independence that we are here to celebrate.” He goes on to say that Russia is “trying to break you will,” but “today and every day you prove that they have failed.” He continues: “Russia’s actions have not changed the path this nation is on. It’s confirmed it. You have stood tall and defiant in the face of everything Russia has thrown at you. And you have taken your place as a proud, sovereign European nation, a vibrant democracy with a bright future ahead. My nation, our nation kept the flame of European freedom alive in the 20th century Great Britain. You hold that flame in the 21st.” Burnham goes on to say that Ukraine’s resilience “is truly awesome,” and “inspires us every single day.” “So I want to tell you something you probably don’t hear enough: thank you. Thank you all. Thank you. Thank you for the incredible stand you have taken because we are all stronger for it.” Share 2h ago 07.17 EDT If you are still watching our stream from Kyiv – reminder: this is a playback, so all of this happened a bit earlier today – you can now see Zelenskyy handing out state awards to leaders of a group of selected countries, thanking them for their help for Ukraine. UK’s Burnham is receiving the award as a sign of gratitude for all the support from the British people just now. His speech is up next. View image in fullscreen Britain's prime minister Andy Burnham receives the "Honorary Distinction to the British People", "Gratitude of the Ukrainian People" award from Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during a commemorative ceremony marking Ukraine's 35th Independence Day outside St. Sofia cathedral in Kyiv. Photograph: Henry Nicholls/AFP/Getty Images Share 2h ago 07.13 EDT UK's support for Ukraine has not changed despite Russia's threats, No10 says The UK’s support for Ukraine has not changed despite Russian threats of retaliation, Downing Street has said, in comments reported by PA. Asked whether Britain was prepared to run the risk of Russian retaliation in order to stand with Ukraine, a No 10 spokesperson said: “Our support of Ukraine has been longstanding since 2022 when [Russia] launched their initial attack and that will remain the case. I think we’ve always been very clear about how we feel about Russia’s barbaric actions. We have consistently said that across the last four years and nothing has changed in that regard.” Share 2h ago 06.36 EDT 'Ukrainians will not be cobblestones under the feet of tsars and rulers,' defiant Zelenskyy says In a powerful speech marking Independence Day, Volodymyr Zelenskyy told Ukrainians and international guests that 35 years ago, many intelligence agencies were not confident whether Ukraine’s independence would last. View image in fullscreen Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy speaking, during a commemorative ceremony marking Ukraine's 35th Independence Day outside St. Sofia cathedral in Kyiv, Ukraine. Photograph: Henry Nicholls/PA “But Ukrainians restored the independence of their state, and we will definitely protect the independence of Ukraine. No doubt about it,” he said. In a particularly stirring passage, he added: “Ukrainians will not be cobblestones under the feet of tsars and rulers. Ukrainians will not submit. Ukrainians will not be bargaining chips in the disputes of capitals. Ukrainians will not submit to what they do not believe in. And they will definitely not abandon their own dream. Dream to live, dreams to live independently.” Share 3h ago 06.16 EDT In a brief chat during Burnham’s arrival, Zelenskyy repeatedly thanked the British PM for the UK’s continued support for Kyiv, and for coming to Ukraine – it’s Burnham’s first foreign trip – on the country’s independence day. Share 3h ago 06.14 EDT Burnham compares Ukraine's war against Russia to Britain's fight against Nazi Germany and vows continued support despite 'outrageous' threats from Moscow During the ceremony in central Kyiv, Britain’s prime minister Andy Burnham compared Ukraine’s resistance against Russia to Britain’s fights against Nazi Germany, and vowed to help Kyiv bolster its air defences ahead of the winter, PA reported. View image in fullscreen Britain's prime minister Andy Burnham (C) addresses National Guard of Ukraine and European leaders as he attends a commemorative ceremony marking Ukraine's 35th Independence Day outside St. Sofia cathedral in Kyiv. Photograph: Henry Nicholls/AFP/Getty Images “My nation kept the flame of European freedom alive in the 20th century, you hold that flame in the 21st,” Burnham said in a speech in front of St Sophia cathedral in Kyiv to mark the 35th anniversary of Ukraine’s independence. “Despite Russia’s outrageous threats to my country, we will continue our support for Ukraine.” Burnham also praised “the sheer strength” of the Ukrainian people, and insisted “this is the moment to keep up the pressure on Russia, the moment to squeeze their ability to fund this illegal war”. If you’re following our stream, keep watching: given the delay, Burnham’s speech will be coming up soon. Share 3h ago 06.11 EDT Jakub Krupa Note that, as it’s often the case with events in Ukraine given understandable security concerns, the pictures you are seeing now on our live stream are from earlier today. Share
Author: Jakub Krupa. Vivian Ho.
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