Britain is to receive an intelligence ‘goldmine’ from Ukraine to boost its defences against Russia.
A trove of data covering the Kremlin’s secrets and tactics will be shared as part of a landmark military agreement.
The vital information recovered since Russia’s invasion will provide an AI-bolstered training blueprint for Britain’s forces.
With the Kremlin stepping up its sabre-rattling against the UK, the Ukrainian database will assist in intercepting Russian drones and thwarting cyber attacks.
The deal was struck as Prime Minister Andy Burnham met president Volodymyr Zelensky in Kyiv on Monday on his first foreign trip since entering Downing Street. It comes after the joint offer by the UK and France to hand over the blueprints for Scalp long-range missiles so Ukraine can build them.
Russia has vowed to destroy UK factories providing weapons for Ukraine after British-made drones were fired into the country for the first time.
After Russia warned that the UK was ‘adding fuel to the fire’ by stepping up its support for Ukraine, Mr Burnham said: ‘Who started the fire? That’s the question, isn’t it?
‘I have only been in office a short time but already in that time Russia has threatened the UK for its support for Ukraine and I know other countries have faced similar threats.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham met president Volodymyr Zelensky in Kyiv on Monday on his first foreign trip since entering Downing Street
Members of the OMEGA special forces unit, conduct a training session for civilians and volunteers of a frontline community at an undisclosed location in the Kharkiv region, northeastern Ukraine
‘It just shows that what we are doing is having an impact and we should stand firm together.’
British defence chiefs want to benefit from Ukraine’s battle-proven technologies that have seen AI-supported drones and robots dominate the warzone.
The UK is also interested in Ukraine’s application of AI technologies to defend its national energy infrastructure and to combat the Kremlin’s attacks on manufacturers.
The UK will become the first country to gain access to Ukraine’s so-called ‘Avengers AI lab’, where its scientists have made major breakthroughs. AI has accelerated decision-making in the conflict zone.
Mr Zelensky said a declaration had been signed confirming a partnership between the UK and Ukraine ‘in the field of artificial intelligence’. He added on X: ‘We value the fact that the UK’s course remains unchanged – full support for Ukraine and our defence. Thank you, Andy! Thank you, Great Britain!’
The PM also chaired a meeting of the Coalition of the Willing – the UK, France and Germany – to discuss further support for Ukraine.
With Ukraine facing further Russian ballistic missile bombardment, Mr Burnham said the coalition was doing ‘everything we can’ to ‘dig into our own stocks and help others dig into their stocks’.
Russia’s sickening attacks on undefended Ukrainian civilian areas have resulted in at least 23 deaths and more than 100 casualties in the past three days alone.
Mr Burnham also called on President Donald Trump to join Britain in doing more to support Ukraine, saying: ‘We need to go further together, I think, because there are some urgent problems that Ukraine is facing. We will do whatever we can to convene people to share that burden together and we’ll continue to provide steadfast support.’
The PM’s visit was timed to celebrate the 35th anniversary of Ukrainian independence from the Soviet Union.
He addressed crowds outside Kyiv’s St Sophia Cathedral, praising the ‘sheer strength’ of the Ukrainian people and likening their defence of their country to Britain’s fight against the Nazis in the Second World War.
He also laid a wreath at the tomb of the unknown Ukrainian soldier during a ceremony at the national military memorial cemetery in nearby Hatne.
Poignant: Andy Burnham lays a wreath at Ukraine’s military memorial cemetery
Striking a chord: The Prime Minister smiles as he plays a Smiths song for Ukrainian troops
In his own independence day speech, president Zelensky insisted Ukraine would ‘not submit’ to Russia. Mr Burnham reiterated Britain’s support for Ukraine was ‘unwavering’ after a visit to a military hospital.
He wrote on X: ‘It was a privilege to meet with Ukrainian veterans today at a military hospital in Kyiv.
‘I’m proud that the patients here have been supported by a UK charity who have trained over 1,000 surgeons, anaesthetists, and other healthcare workers. Our support for Ukraine is unwavering.’
In a lighter moment the PM played the 1985 song Rusholme Ruffians by Manchester band The Smiths after being handed a guitar by a Ukrainian soldier.
Former Manchester mayor Mr Burnham, a lifelong fan of The Smiths, was visiting a mobile recording studio used by the military and artistic unit.
‘I won’t sing,’ he joked. The UK Prime Minister said music can help ‘lift spirits’ on the front line. The soldiers then performed an Oasis song.
