Burnham Compares Ukraine War To Britain’s Fight Against Nazi Germany

British Prime Minister Andy Burnham has compared Ukraine’s fight against Russia to Britain’s struggle against Nazi Germany during World War II, as he began his first international visit since taking office.

Burnham made the comparison during a visit to Kyiv on Monday, August 24, as Ukraine marked its 35th Independence Day and continued its resistance to Russia’s invasion.

The British prime minister reaffirmed the UK’s support for Ukraine and said Britain would continue standing with the country until a just and lasting peace is achieved.

Burnham is also expected to announce that Britain will allow the declassification of information on UK-made components used in the SCALP long-range cruise missile, enabling Ukraine to develop its own production capability.

The UK and France are also backing efforts to establish local production and assembly of long-range missiles in Ukraine as Kyiv seeks to strengthen its ability to defend itself against Russian attacks.

Burnham’s visit comes amid heightened tensions between London and Moscow over Britain’s military support for Ukraine.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov criticised the UK’s decision to provide the missile-related information, saying it would “add fuel to the fire” and accusing Britain of hindering efforts towards a peaceful settlement.

Burnham is also chairing a meeting of the Coalition of the Willing, a group of countries supporting Ukraine, during his visit to Kyiv. European leaders have gathered in the Ukrainian capital to mark Independence Day and demonstrate continued support for the country.

Ukraine has been fighting Russia since Moscow launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022, with the conflict continuing despite repeated international efforts to secure a peace agreement.