Burnham and Zelenskyy plan meeting as UK pledges further pressure on Russia

British Prime Minister Andy Burnham told Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on October 10 that the UK would continue strengthening sanctions against Russia. The leaders agreed to meet in person in the coming days, according to Downing Street.

The British account said Burnham expressed solidarity after a difficult previous 24 hours for Ukraine. He said further pressure would build on UK sanctions announced earlier in the week.

Both leaders called for an immediate energy ceasefire that would end strikes on Ukrainian infrastructure and attacks on shipping in the Black Sea. Downing Street said this would make more energy and food supplies available to the global market.

In a separate account, Ukraine's presidential office said Zelenskyy identified air defence as the first priority and thanked Burnham for his support. Neither account specified a date for the planned meeting.