Britain's response on the world stage cannot be reduced to expressions of support or carefully worded statements, writes businesswoman and philanthropist Lubov Chernukhin
Andy Burnham has been quick to declare Britain's support for Ukraine will remain unwavering. The Prime Minister has rightly reassured President Zelenskyy the UK stands with Kyiv. Mr Zelenskyy has now seen four British leaders and numerous defence secretaries.
Support for Ukraine is the correct position. However, it is also the minimum expected of any serious prime minister. It should not be mistaken for either a defence strategy or a coherent foreign policy.
Four years ago, support for Ukraine was rooted in solidarity with a sovereign nation subjected to an unprovoked act of aggression. Today, it is something more. It is an act of strategic self-interest. Ukrainians are not only defending their own sovereignty and freedom; they are defending Europe’s security, Britain’s national interests, and the democratic values Vladimir Putin is determined to undermine.
Russia's invasion has reshaped Europe's security landscape. This war will determine whether dictators can redraw borders by force, whether international law has any meaning and whether Western democracies still possess the courage to defend the values they champion.
These are not abstract questions. They are the defining geopolitical challenges of our generation.
That is why Britain's response cannot be reduced to expressions of support or carefully worded statements. It demands a clear strategy.
Firstly, that means recognising Europe’s approach to Moscow was a failure. For years, economic interests and dependence on cheap Russian energy have outweighed a clear-eyed assessment of the Kremlin’s actions at home and abroad. The illusion Russia had become a reliable partner allowed Europe to neglect its defences while turning a blind eye to the Russian government's support for hostile regimes and destabilising activities across the world.
We ignored these warning signs at our peril. Today, it is the Ukrainian people who are paying the highest price. As Ukrainian civilians and soldiers defend their country, they are also buying Britain and its allies valuable time to strengthen defence capabilities, rebuild alliances, and prepare for an increasingly unstable world. That time has come at an enormous cost, and we must have a plan to repay that debt.
On defence, Mr Burnham and Chancellor John Healey must commit to a properly funded defence investment plan. Years of underinvestment have left Britain’s armed forces stretched, with limited capacity to sustain operations against a peer adversary and growing dependence on allies in key areas of capability. Rebuilding the Army, Royal Navy and Royal Air Force will require significant investment and political resolve. At a time of increasing global instability, defence spending must be prioritised, with funding directed towards strengthening Britain’s military capabilities and long-term security.
On strengthening our alliances, Mr Burnham needs to recognise the UK’s key role as a hinge of the Western alliance, able to bring together both Europe and the United States in our common cause. The special relationship with Washington needs to be restored with the most capable help of King Charles. Playing this traditional role also requires investment. Rightly, our allies will not take us seriously unless we get our own house in order first.
When it comes to confronting hostile regimes, we need to once again show strength in the world. No more meekly kowtowing to unaccountable kangaroo courts and countries that hate what we stand for, as Sir Keir Starmer treacherously did over the Chagos Islands. Mr Burnham must unashamedly stand for Britain's national interest and put our own people first on the world stage.
And regarding to Ukraine, action cannot wait until the war is over. Frozen Russian state assets across Europe should be used to help restore energy infrastructure, rebuild homes, support displaced families, and strengthen Ukraine’s economy and defence capabilities. No10 should play a leading role in Ukraine’s reconstruction. Downing Street should establish a dedicated taskforce to connect British businesses with Ukrainian partners, unlock investment and ensure British expertise is at the forefront of rebuilding Ukraine. Every Russian attack on Ukrainian cities and infrastructure should carry a financial cost for Mr Putin. Using frozen Russian assets and strengthening enforcement against sanctions evasion would demonstrate support for Ukraine is matched by meaningful action.
Too many politicians have convinced themselves saying they are standing with Ukraine is enough. It is not.
Mr Burnham should not expect applause for doing the minimum expected of someone in his high office. Britain needs a stateman with a clear vision for our role in the world, one who understands that defending our allies, investing in our own security and borders, and confronting authoritarian regimes are all part of defending Britain's future. Because supporting Ukraine, however essential, is only one chapter of the story. It is impossible if Britain is economically weak. Mr Burnham must abandon his dreams of a socialist takeover of Britain and instead deal with cutting expenditure, cutting the size of government and competing for global capital to come back to the UK – and make it strong again.
