Prime Minister Andy Burnham has had some words for Russia and Vladimir Putin after his spokesperson accused the UK of adding “fuel to the fire” and even plotting to prevent peace between the nations
Prime Minister Andy Burnham hit back at the Kremlin after Vladimir Putin’s spokesman Dmitry Peskov accused Britain of adding “fuel to the fire” of Russia’s war.
Russia and its propagandists have continued to make threats towards the UK due to its aid towards Ukraine. Mr Burnham is in Kyiv today (August 24) and his presence to help with missile support sparked a response from Putin’s mouthpiece.
Britain’s decision to supply more long-range missiles and drones to Ukraine has drawn warnings of retaliation from the Kremlin. Sky News asked the Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov for his reaction to the plan, to which he responded was “extremely negatively”.
Peskov added: “Britain is participating in this war on the side of the Kyiv regime. Britain is methodically and consistently adding fuel to the fire and methodically and consistently plotting to prevent a peaceful settlement process.”
However, Mr Burnham fired back at accusations of the UK of fuelling the fire by appearing to almost quote Billy Joel’s hit We Didn’t Start the Fire.
The Prime Minister said: “Who started the fire? That’s the question, isn’t it.”
Mr Burnham also hit out at Putin and Russia over their continued threats earlier in the visit, which coincides with the 35th anniversary of the country’s independence from the Soviet Union.
“My nation kept the flame of European freedom alive in the 20th century, you hold that flame in the 21st,” the Prime Minister 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.”
In his first major speech on the international stage, Mr Burnham praised the “sheer strength” of the Ukrainian people as “truly awesome”, and said that “this is the moment to keep up the pressure on Russia, the moment to squeeze their ability to fund this illegal war”.
“Ukraine has been Europe’s protector, not a drain on our security but the front line in keeping Europe safe,” he added.
“The Ukrainian people deserve not just our continued support, but our gratitude and respect,” he said, thanking Ukrainians for “the incredible stand” they have taken.
Ahead of the visit, he announced that the UK would provide Kyiv with blueprints for British components used in the French-produced Scalp missile as Paris looks at setting up assembly lines for the weapon in Ukraine.
Peskov said Russia’s armed forces are identifying the production sites for the SCALP missiles and are “taking measures” to destroy the them.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy vowed his country would “not submit” to Russia as he presented Andy Burnham with an award recognising the UK’s support for his country.
In a defiant speech marking Ukraine’s 35th Independence Day in front of the Saint Sophia cathedral in Kyiv, Mr Zelensky said: “Ukrainians will not be cobblestones under the feet of tsars and rulers. Ukrainians will not submit.”
Mr Zelensky gave awards to members of the military and posthumous acknowledgements to family members of soldiers killed in the war sparked by Russia’s invasion.
He also gave honours to world leaders present, including one to Mr Burnham titled Honorary Distinction to the British People, Gratitude of the Ukrainian People.
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