Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is scheduled to meet British Prime Minister Andy Burnham in London on Wednesday as Ukraine seeks greater support to defend itself against Russia’s intensifying attacks.

Ukraine and its European allies are working to strengthen the country’s defences amid growing Russian bombardment and uncertainty over the Trump administration’s commitment to supporting Kyiv in its war against Moscow, which began in February 2022.

Burnham’s office said the UK would provide “urgent support” to Ukraine in the coming weeks and speed up deliveries of air defence missiles needed to protect the country ahead of the harsh winter.

US President Donald Trump’s recent decisions have repeatedly raised concerns among Ukrainian and Western European leaders. Last week, Trump announced a deal with Russian President Vladimir Putin to import large quantities of Russian diesel.

The announcement came as Western countries continued efforts to impose sanctions on Russia and limit Putin’s international influence. It added to concerns in Kyiv and European capitals that Trump was moving closer to the Russian leader while distancing himself from Zelenskyy.

Burnham, however, reaffirmed Britain’s commitment to Ukraine ahead of the Ukrainian president’s visit.

“My message to the Ukrainian people could not be clearer, we are with you for as long as it takes, and we will go further and faster in our support to back your courageous fight for peace in Europe,” he said.

Analysts said Trump’s latest move had strengthened European determination to continue supporting Ukraine.

“Ahead of a tough winter for Ukraine, Donald Trump's swing back toward Russia bodes ill,” Rym Momtaz of Carnegie Europe wrote in an assessment on Tuesday. “But instead of panicking, Kyiv's European allies are focusing on action.”

Britain, along with the European Union, is also considering further sanctions against Russia.

London has urged Moscow to respect a partial ceasefire announced by Trump and stop attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure. Zelenskyy has said Ukraine is complying with the energy ceasefire.

Burnham made Kyiv his first foreign destination after becoming prime minister in July, offering to share technology for producing long-range missiles with Ukraine. Russia subsequently accused Britain of taking part in the war on Ukraine’s side.