Kyiv:
United Kingdom Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Saturday made a surprise visit to the Ukrainian capital and met President Volodymyr Zelensky. The trip was not pre-announced in London.
The British Prime Minister said it was a “privilege” to meet Zelensky in person and vowed UK’s unwavering support to Ukraine amid the Russian aggression.
The UK Prime Minister while announcing additional ‘military aid’ to Ukraine, hit out at the Russian President Vladimir Putin for the war crimes by his troops.
According to a statement from Downing Street, Johnson announced additional military assistance, including 120 armoured vehicles and new anti-ship missile systems, “to support Ukraine in this key phase as Russia’s illegal assault continues.”
This comes on top of Starstreak anti-aircraft missiles and 800 anti-tank missiles revealed by the UK on Friday, as well as “loitering” drones for “precise strikes” against the Russians.
Johnson promised a further $500 million via the International Bank as world powers staged a fundraising round for Ukraine.
“(Vladimir) Putin’s terrible intentions are being defeated,” Johnson added, citing President (Volodymyr) Zelensky’s steadfast leadership and the invincible valour and fortitude of the Ukrainian people.
“Ukraine has beaten the odds and drove Russian soldiers back from Kyiv’s borders, achieving the greatest military feat of the twenty-first century,” he stated.
“I made it clear today that the United Kingdom stands unwaveringly with them in this ongoing fight, and we’re in it for the long run,” he said.
Ukrainian President Zelensky urged the West to follow the United Kingdom’s lead in assisting Ukraine militarily and imposing sanctions on Russia.
After meeting with Johnson, Zelensky remarked, “Other Western democratic countries should follow the UK’s example.”
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