Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy travelled to Portsmouth today for a high-level meeting with Prime Minister Andy Burnham aboard the Royal Navy aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth. The visit, which took place at Portsmouth Naval Base, marked Mr Zelenskyy’s first meeting with the new prime minister since his appointment on 20 July.
Focus on defence, technology and maritime security
The leaders conducted private discussions followed by a broader session attended by senior military and government officials. Topics raised included ongoing British support for Ukraine, plans to step up joint defence manufacturing, and the supply of new military technologies intended to protect Ukrainian assets.
“I can assure you, and I can assure all Ukrainians, that our support for Ukraine remains unwavering. I believe the overwhelming majority of British people feel the same way. We feel the injustice of what you have had to endure, and we clearly understand that it is our duty to stand with you and support you.”
Mr Burnham announced that the UK would provide jamming systems developed in Britain to help shield Ukrainian drones from hostile interference. The pair also agreed to pursue deeper co-operation on defence production, with discussions touching on establishing related enterprises in both countries.
Portsmouth’s role and practical links
Portsmouth has played a tangible part in recent UK support to Ukraine. Under training initiatives based out of the city’s naval facilities, UK forces have helped prepare sailors to operate minehunters, vessels that have subsequently been used in operations linked to the conflict. Senior naval personnel, including the First Sea Lord, and the carrier’s commanding officer hosted the visit.
- Venue: HMS Queen Elizabeth, Portsmouth Naval Base
- Main participants: Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Andy Burnham
- Key themes: defence production, military technology, maritime security
The meeting also considered the wider security environment affecting global trade lanes. Mr Zelenskyy highlighted attempts to impede access to Black Sea ports and raised concerns about disruptions in other strategic waterways, including the Strait of Hormuz, which have implications for international shipping and supply chains.
International coalitions and next steps
Mr Burnham reaffirmed the UK’s continuing role in collective security initiatives. He confirmed Britain will continue co-chairing the Coalition of the Willing and will participate in preparations for its next meeting in August. The two leaders discussed the Anti-Ballistic Coalition and other multilateral efforts intended to bolster Ukraine’s defences.
| Issue | What was discussed |
|---|---|
| Military technology | Supply of British-developed jamming systems for drones |
| Defence production | Plans to increase joint manufacturing and possible enterprises in UK and Ukraine |
| Maritime security | Protecting shipping routes, Black Sea access and Strait of Hormuz concerns |
The visit underscored Portsmouth’s continuing strategic importance to UK naval operations and international defence co-operation. For residents, the high-profile meeting is a reminder of the city’s role as a hub for maritime security and defence logistics.
Further details on any specific industrial projects, procurement timelines or locations for proposed joint enterprises have not been published. Officials said follow-up work would focus on implementation of the agreements discussed.
