UK PM Johnson meets Ukrainian President Zelenskyy in Kyiv

Britain’s Boris Johnson, certainly one of Ukraine’s staunchest backers, flew to Kyiv on Saturday to pledge tighter sanctions on Russia and supply President Volodymyr Zelenskiy extra defensive arms, a transfer the Ukrainian chief stated others ought to observe.

The Ukrainians have the braveness of a lion.

President @ZelenskyyUa has given the roar of that lion.

The UK stands unwaveringly with the folks of Ukraine.

Slava Ukraini 🇬🇧 🇺🇦 pic.twitter.com/u6vGYqmK4V

— Boris Johnson (@BorisJohnson) April 9, 2022

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At a gathering shrouded in secrecy till Johnson appeared within the Ukrainian capital, the 2 leaders cemented the shut ties they’ve nurtured since Russia invaded Ukraine on Feb. 24. The transfer caps weeks of lobbying by Johnson to satisfy Zelenskiy.

With each males standing at podiums in entrance of cameras, they praised one another for his or her cooperation because the Russian invasion, which Moscow calls a “special operation” to demilitarise and “denazify” its neighbour. Zelenskiy rejects the outline, saying Russia is bent on destroying his nation.

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“We must put more and more pressure on the Russian Federation, work harder to help the people of Ukraine defend it against the Russian Federation, and step up sanctions,” Zelenskiy stated.

“Other democratic Western states should follow the example of Great Britain. It’s time to impose a complete ban on Russian energy supplies, and increase the delivery of weapons to us.”

Johnson replied: “Together with our partners, we are going to ratchet up the economic pressure and we will continue to intensify, week by week, the sanctions on Russia.”

He added that the measures would come with transferring away from using Russian hydrocarbons. Earlier, his Downing Street workplace stated Britain would supply the nation with 120 armoured automobiles and new anti-ship missile programs.

Johnson’s aides say the 2 leaders have spoken virtually day by day since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

The British chief, underneath strain over alleged events at his Downing Street residence throughout a COVID-19 lockdown, has been vocal in his assist of Zelenskiy.

Earlier on Saturday, the Ukrainian chief’s workplace revealed footage exhibiting the 2 males chatting throughout a desk.

Johnson met Zelenskiy “in a show of solidarity with the Ukrainian people”, a Downing Street spokesperson stated.

On Zelenskiy’s Telegram channel, Johnson was described as “one of the most principled opponents of the Russian invasion, a leader in putting sanctions on Russia and providing defensive support to Ukraine”.