image source, Archyde.com
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson held face-to-face talks in kyiv with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, the British government headquarters reported.
No. 10 Downing Street said the visit was made as a “show of solidarity” with Ukraine.
A spokesman explained that Johnson used the trip to present a new financial and military assistance package.
The visit comes a day following the prime minister announced US$130 million in weapons for Ukraine following Russia’s bombing of a train station used by refugees.
“The prime minister has traveled to Ukraine to meet President Zelensky in person, in a show of solidarity with the Ukrainian people,” the spokesman said.
“They will discuss long-term UK support for Ukraine, and the prime minister will present a new financial and military assistance package.”
A photo of the two leaders meeting was published online by the Ukrainian embassy in London.
The Ukrainian embassy posted the image of the face-to-face meeting on Twitter.
In a Facebook message, Andriy Sybiha, deputy director of Ukraine’s presidential office, said: “The UK is the leader in Ukraine’s defense support. The leader in the anti-war coalition. The leader in sanctions once morest the Russian aggressor.” .
Johnson is the latest Western leader to travel to the Ukrainian capital for talks with the country’s president.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and EU Foreign Policy Representative Josep Borrell paid visits on Friday, with Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer earlier on Saturday.
image source, Getty Images
Representatives of the European Union had met with Zelensky on Friday.
During a press conference in Downing Street, Boris Johnson warned that Russia would not evade punishment following the attack on the Kramatorsk station.
At least 50 people were killed and more than 300 wounded following a bombing of the train station in eastern Ukraine, which was used to evacuate civilians, according to authorities.
The Kremlin has denied responsibility for the attack.
The prime minister said Britain would send additional military equipment, including anti-aircraft missiles. Starstreak and 800 anti-tank missiles.
The announcement came following Ukraine requested more weapons in preparation for an expected Russian move in the east of the country, following Moscow withdrew its troops around kyiv.
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