Burnham’s visit to Kyiv marks a renewal of badly needed support for Ukraine

As well as pledging military help and diplomatic backing, the prime minister could be useful in dealing with the US

Since moving into Downing Street in July, Andy Burnham - a foreign policy neophyte - has expressed strong support for Ukraine. But on Monday he saw the bitter human cost of the war up close for the first time, visiting Kyiv during his first international trip as prime minister.

The occasion was the 35th anniversary of Ukraine's independence. Volodymyr Zelenskyy gave awards to the families of fallen soldiers. Relatives wept, hugging Ukraine's president. Photos of young men in their prime were shown on a giant screen.