Burnham careful as he meets Zelensky but promises Ukraine won't leave 'empty handed'

President Volodymyr Zelensky's visit to London follows a well-trodden diplomatic path in a war now in its fifth year.

Then last week Trump carried out an abrupt U-turn, lifting sanctions on Russian diesel and calling for Zelensky to be replaced.

There was a military honour guard in Downing Street to greet Volodymyr Zelensky

For the prime minister there was the tricky but now familiar diplomatic task of needing to show solidarity with Zelensky without appearing to criticise Trump.

So Downing Street issued an embargoed press notice overnight with warm words of support for Zelensky.

Specifically, the prime minister would pledge to speed up the delivery of lightweight multirole missiles that can help bring down fast jet-powered Russian drones.

Andy Burnham is expected to promise to go "further and faster" in helping Ukraine with financial and military aid.

There was a military honour guard in Downing Street to greet Ukraine's president, followed by a controlled photo opportunity showing the start of the meeting between the two men.

In the House of Commons, at the start of his weekly question time, Burnham used the opportunity to offer what he called his "unwavering" support for Zelensky and promise greater military and financial aid in the future.

Sir Ed said the prime minister had studiously avoided commenting on Trump's decision to rip up international sanctions on Russia.

"Doesn't he agree this is yet another shameful Trump betrayal of the Ukrainian people and European security?"