UK PM Burnham is set to travel to New York to join leaders urging US President Trump to increase supplies of US-made missiles to Ukraine, the Guardian reports, while the Kremlin accuses him of seeking to continue the war.
The UK prime minister, Burnham, plans to travel to New York to join a delegation of leaders lobbying US President Trump to step up supplies of American-made missiles to Ukraine, according to the Guardian. The Guardian reports the trip comes as Ukraine pleads for Patriot missiles.
The Kremlin responded by accusing Burnham of wanting to continue the war, the Guardian reported.
Diplomatic activity around the war continued elsewhere. Vatican envoy Paul Gallagher, representing Pope Leo XIV, met Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov in Moscow. According to snap quotes reported by Reuters, Gallagher said “The Ukrainian war must end” and that the pair discussed “avenues for pursuing lasting and just peace in Ukraine”.
The Guardian also noted a report of a US military plane landing in Moscow. Reuters reported that the last time a US jet flew to Russia from Europe was in January, when special envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner travelled to Moscow to meet Vladimir Putin for peace talks.
In a message marking Ukraine’s Independence Day, King Charles III and The Queen sent wishes that a Ukrainian statement quoted by the Guardian described as “warm and sincere”. The statement said the message emphasised Ukraine’s history, rich culture and national spirit, as well as the resilience of the Ukrainian people who continue to defend their homeland.
In separate news, the Guardian’s Europe correspondent Jon Henley reported that at least 35,000 more people died during Europe’s record-breaking heatwaves this summer than would normally be expected. The provisional figures cover barely half of the continent.
Excess mortality in three of the EU’s larger countries – Germany, France and Spain – has already exceeded 25,000, with experts warning the toll will rise significantly once August totals are consolidated, according to the Guardian.
Why it matters
The push for missile supplies highlights ongoing efforts by European leaders to secure US support for Ukraine's defence, even as diplomatic channels seek an end to the war. Meanwhile, the reported heatwave death toll underscores the growing human cost of extreme weather across Europe.
Frequently asked questions
Why is Burnham going to New York?
According to the Guardian, the UK prime minister plans to travel to New York to join a delegation of leaders lobbying US President Trump to step up supplies of US-made missiles to Ukraine.
How did the Kremlin respond?
The Kremlin accused Burnham of wanting to continue the war, according to the Guardian.
How many people died in Europe's summer heatwaves?
The Guardian reported that at least 35,000 more people than normal died during Europe's record-breaking heatwaves this summer, with excess mortality in Germany, France and Spain already exceeding 25,000 according to provisional figures.