UK’s new PM Burnham welcomes Zelensky as first foreign visitor

Britain’s ⁠new prime minister, Andy Burnham, welcomed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky as his first international visitor on Monday, in a move that underscores London’s steadfast support for Ukraine, Burnham’s office said.The two leaders met at a naval base, where they were due to hear how UK-led training programmes are helping strengthen Ukraine’s armed forces and deliver results on the battlefield, according to Downing Street.“Britain stands with Ukraine, shoulder to shoulder, and our support ⁠remains unwavering,” Burnham said in a statement. “Russia should be in no ‌doubt of our resolve, and we will not back down until we achieve long-lasting and just peace for Ukraine.”British Prime Minister Andy Burnham (right) greets Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at HM Naval Base in Portsmouth, Hampshire on Monday. Photo: via ReutersDuring the visit, Burnham and Zelensky were due to ⁠meet more than ⁠200 Ukrainian military personnel and sailors who have spent the past three weeks in ‌Britain taking part in Exercise Sea Breeze, a maritime security and countermine exercise designed to prepare ‌participants for ‌future missions in the Black Sea.