British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has met with Ukrainian President Volodomír Zelensky on an unannounced visit to kyiv. After the meeting, he confirmed the offer to Ukraine of 120 armored vehicles and anti-ship missiles.
The British Prime Minister Boris Johnson met with him President of Ukraine Volodomir Zelensky in a visit to Kyiv that had not been previously announced.
The appointment was known after an image published today on Twitter by the Embassy of Ukraine in the United Kingdom.
The diplomatic mission released a photograph of both leaders sitting face to face in an office, next to the flags of both countries, and added the word: “Surprise” in their message.
Downing Street, Johnson’s official office, confirmed shortly after the meeting in the Ukrainian capital, one day after the United Kingdom announced the shipment of new military material for some 120 million euros.
A spokesman for the prime minister indicated that the trip represents a “show of solidarity with the Ukrainians” and that the two leaders have met to discuss “long-term (British) support for Ukraine.”
Among other issues, Johnson will explain to Zelenski the “new financial and military aid package” offered by the United Kingdom so that his country continues to face Russian attacks.
The British head of government had been in kyiv for the last time on February 2, weeks before the Russian invasion began, when he offered a joint press conference with Zelensky.
This week, a delegation from the Ukrainian Executive and senior members of its army attended weapons demonstrations at a training camp in south-west England, where the British armed forces showed them armored vehicles, anti-aircraft defenses and other equipment in operation.
Johnson offers Zelensky 120 armored and anti-ship missiles
After the appointment, Johnson announced this Saturday that the United Kingdom will deliver 120 armored vehicles and anti-ship missile systems to the Ukrainian armed forces.
During the meeting, the head of government held an “in-depth dialogue” with Zelensky “on economic and military aid,” one of his official spokesmen said in a statement.
London also announced a new funding item of 500 million dollars (460 million euros) for Ukraine through the World Bank.
In this way, it raises the total amount of funds committed in this way to 1,000 million dollars (920 million euros).
The financial aid, still subject to the approval of the British Parliament, will help “continue to keep vital humanitarian services running,” the government said.
British PM highlighted Ukraine’s resistance
“Ukraine has defied the odds and pushed Russian forces back from the gates of kyiv,” the British prime minister said.
In that sense, he described the Ukrainian resistance as “the greatest military feat of the 21st century.”
Johnson, who had last visited the Ukrainian capital in early February, just weeks before Russia began its invasion, praised Zelensky’s “determined leadership.”
He also highlighted the “invincible heroism and courage of the Ukrainians”, who have managed to oppose the “monstrous purposes” of Russian President Vladimir Putin.
“Today I have made it clear that the UK stands unconditionally by your side in this fight and that we are here for the long haul,” he stressed.
Downing Street explained that the new armored vehicles and missiles announced are added to the 120 million euros in military equipment that had already been advanced during a press conference in London, together with the German Chancellor Olaf Scholz.
That first aid package includes, among other material, Starstreak anti-aircraft missiles and 800 anti-tank projectiles, as well as “high-tech” ammunition for “precision” operations.