Volodymyr Zelenskyy has become the first foreign leader to hold talks with Britain’s new prime minister, Andy Burnham, securing a cutting-edge electronic warfare system designed to blind Russian air defences. During his stopover en route to a meeting with Donald Trump, the Ukrainian president announced that the UK had agreed to provide “Stone Cloak” technology – a jamming capability that can neutralise Russian air defence systems and protect Ukraine’s drone fleet.
“I am grateful to the United Kingdom for today’s decision to provide Ukraine with electronic warfare technologies to help protect our drones,” Zelenskyy wrote. “This will undoubtedly prove valuable on the battlefield. Together, we can achieve even more in the field of drones and other defence technologies.”
“Zelenskyy thanks UK for Stone Cloak jamming tech; first foreign leader to meet new PM Andy Burnham.”
The deal comes as Ukraine continues to escalate its campaign of long-range strikes deep inside Russian territory. Attacks on oil refineries and fuel depots have triggered widespread gasoline shortages across Russia, while precision hits on warehouses belonging to the e-commerce giant Wildberries have caused inventory losses for thousands of small businesses.
Stone Cloak, developed in the UK, is designed to jam the radar and communication links of Russian surface-to-air missile systems, creating a protective bubble for Ukrainian drones to operate in. The technology is expected to be swiftly deployed to counter the dense air defence network Russia has built up around key military and industrial sites.
Zelenskyy’s visit to Downing Street marks a diplomatic shift under Burnham, who took office after the last general election. The new prime minister has signalled continued military support for Kyiv, even as some Western allies have urged restraint on strikes inside Russia. The granting of Stone Cloak suggests Britain is doubling down on its role as a leading supplier of asymmetric warfare capabilities.
For Ukraine, the timing is critical. With winter approaching and energy infrastructure again a target, the ability to suppress Russian air defences could open up new corridors for drone operations. Whether the technology will prove decisive on the battlefield – or whether Russia will quickly adapt – remains an open question. But for now, Zelenskyy leaves London with a new tool in his arsenal, and a message that Britain remains Kyiv’s most steadfast European ally.