Sergey Lavrov warns Russia could treat UK's missile role in Ukraine as "participation in the war"

On Ukraine’s independence anniversary, British Prime Minister Andy Burnham made his first foreign trip since taking office, visiting Kyiv to reaffirm support. Moscow had criticized London’s plan to supply blueprints for British components used in the French-built Scalp missile, a weapon that could allow Ukraine to strike deeper into Russian territory. Asked about that objection, Burnham responded that Russia had ignited the conflict. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov then warned that any direct role by British missile forces could be treated as taking part in hostilities, with all resulting dangers. Burnham dismissed Russian threats and pledged continued aid. In Kyiv, President Volodymyr Zelensky presented him with an award, and Burnham was expected to discuss Ukraine’s urgent need for air-defense interceptors with allied leaders.