The Prime Minister praised the “heroism” of the Ukrainian people as he visited the devastated city of Kiev and announced further assistance to the besieged country. Johnson took a walk in the capital, meeting and shaking hands with ordinary Ukrainians, next to President Volodymyr Zelensky. Footage from the Prime Minister’s surprise visit was released along with details of the new package of financial and military assistance that includes 120 armored vehicles and new anti-ship missile systems. His presence in the capital was announced when a photo, with the caption “surprise”, was shared on social media by the Ukrainian embassy in this country and shows the men meeting in the recently besieged city.
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Speaking after the meeting, Mr Johnson said: “Ukraine has defied chance and pushed Russian forces out of the gates of Kiev, achieving the greatest arms achievement of the 21st century. “It is because of President Zelensky’s determined leadership and the invincible heroism and courage of the Ukrainian people that Putin’s monstrous goals are thwarted. “I made it clear today that the United Kingdom stands by them in this ongoing struggle and we are in it for a long time. “We are strengthening our military and financial support and convening a global alliance to end this tragedy and to ensure that Ukraine survives and thrives as a free and sovereign nation.” The announcements followed an urgent call by Ukrainians for more weapons – including armored vehicles – in the wake of an impending Russian offensive in the eastern Donbass region, which is already under the control of pro-Moscow separatists. The missiles came as British military intelligence said Russian naval forces continued to launch cruise missile attacks to support ground operations in the area. There were no immediate details on the armored vehicles, although Defense Minister Ben Wallace indicated during a visit to Romania on Friday that they were six-wheeled Mastiff patrol vehicles. Appearing on the side of Zelensky in a recorded clip, Johnson said the West would continue to “strengthen” sanctions in Moscow, as he praised 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.” President Zelensky later posted on Facebook: “The Prime Minister of the United Kingdom Boris Johnson is one of the most friendly opponents of the Russian invasion, a leader in the pressure of sanctions on Russia and in the defense of Ukraine. Welcome to Kyiv my friend! “ Downing Street said the prime minister’s visit was a “demonstration of solidarity” with Ukraine. Photo brochure taken from the twitter of Prime Minister Boris Johnson from his meeting (right) with the President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky in Kyiv, Ukraine. Release Date: Saturday 9 April 2022. / ΠΑ Mr Johnson wrote on Twitter yesterday that the United Kingdom would send “more defense weapons to Ukraine” and target the Russian economy “to ensure Putin’s failure”. The extra 100 100 million worth of British military aid includes anti-tank and anti-aircraft weapons and so-called “suicide drones”, which hang over the battlefield before attacking their target. Earlier in the week, the United Kingdom and NATO allies agreed to supply “new and heavier” weapons to Ukraine as Kyiv warned it needed immediate reinforcements in its fight against Russia. NATO allies fear that Russia’s decision to withdraw from areas around Kyiv will allow Putin to focus his attack on eastern Ukraine. Ukrainian generals visited the United Kingdom to see some of the kits that could possibly be offered, including armored vehicles that could provide protection to troops from Russian attack as they move into the war zone. The United Kingdom is already supplying equipment, including anti-tank and anti-aircraft missiles, to the Ukrainian Armed Forces. Evacuations have erupted in parts of eastern Ukraine following a rocket attack that killed at least 52 people at a train station as thousands waited to leave the area ahead of an impending Russian attack. President Zelensky said the attack on Kramatorsk was the latest sign of war crimes by Russian forces and urged the West to help his country. Russia has denied the allegations in a statement issued Friday stating “Similar, baseless allegations concerning Russia’s military have been made more than once. The mayor of Bucha, a city near Kyiv where graphic evidence of civilian killings has surfaced since the Russians left, said search teams were still finding the bodies of people shot close to yards, parks and city squares.
