He made the remarks in an address celebrating the 35th anniversary of Ukraine’s independence.
Burnham said NATO allies had pledged EUR70 billion ($82 billion) this year for military aid, weapons and training for Ukraine, with the same amount to be provided next year.
The PM also said Russia continues to attack Ukraine with drones and missiles, and that preparations for the coming winter have already begun. He called on partners to use all available resources to strengthen Ukraine’s air defenses and support its energy system.
“Britain will be at the forefront of these efforts,” Burnham said.
He added that Britain would remember who is bearing the main burden of the war and that its support for Ukraine would remain unconditional.
Burnham said Ukraine does not owe Europe anything for its support because Ukrainians are defending not only their own freedom but also the security of the entire continent. The Russo–Ukrainian war matters to the whole world, he said, because the unpunished violation of international law and the redrawing of borders by force could set a dangerous precedent for other dictators.
He suggested that Feb. 24, 2022, became a kind of “second referendum” on Ukraine’s independence, when the Ukrainian people demonstrated their readiness to defend their country.
“We will not tire. We will not turn away,” Burnham said.
The time will come, he said, when Ukrainians can celebrate their independence in peace and prosperity. Britain will be there to help Ukraine build its future, he added.
“Today, the blue-and-yellow flag flies proudly and defiantly
across Ukraine, even though the enemy intended for its people never to
celebrate this moment again. For 1,643 days of Putin’s full-scale invasion, he
has tried to erase this date from your calendar. And for all 1,643 days,
Ukrainians have done everything to ensure that he failed. I know the price you
are paying for this,” Burnham said.