Details of the prime minister’s trip were revealed in a video released by the Ukrainian Railways, in which Mr. Johnson thanked the staff for the visit. He called the Ukrainian railways “the iron people” because they showed a steadfast spirit in the face of Russian atrocities. Mr Johnson added that the British people “stand in sympathy and solidarity” with the people of the country as they continue to face the horrors of the Russian military. The short video gave the public a taste of how the Prime Minister’s high-risk visit could proceed. Mr. Johnson is thought to have wanted to travel for weeks, but officials vetoed the idea because of high security risks. But as Moscow withdrew its forces from Kyiv and the surrounding area last week, the trip to the war zone was seen as less threatening.
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The Prime Minister left the United Kingdom on Friday night with a small group of officials and was then taken to the Ukrainian capital. He then met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Saturday afternoon at the Mariinskyi Palace, the presidential residence. The couple later walked the streets of Kiev, surrounded by soldiers. Mr Johnson’s unannounced visit to Kyiv was considered a tremendous success, with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky welcoming his leadership. “The leadership of the United Kingdom, by providing our country with all the necessary assistance in terms of defense, as well as leadership in sanctions policy, will go down in history forever,” he said in a speech overnight. Boris Johnson posing for a photo with Ukrzaliznytsia staff on a train from Poland to Kyiv (Photo: Reuters) It comes after Johnson promised more weapons, including 120 armored vehicles and anti-ship missile systems, to help the country resist the Russian invasion. During the trip, Mr Johnson said the West would continue to “strengthen” sanctions in Moscow, praising the courage of the Ukrainian resistance. “I think the Ukrainians showed the courage of a lion and you Volodymyr gave the roar of this lion,” he said. “The United Kingdom and others will (will) supply equipment, technology, know-how, intelligence, so that Ukraine will never be invaded again. “Thus Ukraine is so fortified and protected – that Ukraine can never be intimidated again. Never be blackmailed again. “Never threaten again in the same way.”
