China News Online reported on the 24th: "The UK's provision of long-range missile manufacturing technology to Ukraine has drawn criticism from Russia, which labeled it as fueling the war and obstructing peace efforts. Prime Minister Burnham responded by stating that despite Russia's 'abhorrent threats,' the UK will continue to provide defense aid to Ukraine, which has been ravaged by war."
Burnham arrived in Kyiv, Ukraine’s capital, on Monday (August 24), marking his first foreign visit since taking office.
Commentary: The UK’s decision to transfer long-range missile production technology is not merely out of sympathy for Ukraine—it reflects multiple pragmatic calculations. After Brexit, the UK urgently seeks to demonstrate its status as a major European power through the Ukraine crisis, leveraging aid to weaken Russia’s strength and thus advancing its traditional offshore balancing foreign policy in Europe. With the United States adopting a more cautious stance toward aid to Ukraine and Western arms inventories becoming increasingly strained, transferring production technology enables Ukraine to manufacture missiles domestically, easing the supply pressure on Western arms. Burnham’s first overseas trip to Kyiv after assuming office also serves domestic political cohesion and positions the UK at the forefront of the pro-Ukraine camp. However, this move to export offensive weapon technology disregards Russia’s stern warnings, likely prolonging the conflict and intensifying warfare, making peace negotiations even more difficult.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1874479569242443/
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