On Saturday, following Russia’s military withdrawal from the northern parts of Ukraine, British Prime Minister (PM) Boris Johnson met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Kyiv in order to announce additional military support and witness the aftermath of Moscow’s invasion in person.
Johnson pledged to deliver 120 armoured vehicles and new anti-ship missile systems and confirmed $500 million in World Bank funding, along with $513 million in humanitarian aid from the United Kingdom (UK) alone.
At a handshake distance. @BorisJohnson and @ZelenskyyUa walked through the center of Kyiv and talked to ordinary Kyivans. This is what democracy looks like. This is what courage looks like. This is what true friendship between peoples and between nations looks like. pic.twitter.com/ZcdL6NqNp2
— Defence of Ukraine (@DefenceU) April 9, 2022
In a statement, PM Johnson hailed Ukraine’s resilience against Russia’s attack, adding, “What Putin has done in places like Bucha and Irpin, his war crimes have permanently polluted his reputation and the reputation of his government.”
In response, Zelensky thanked Johnson, calling his visit a “manifestation of strong, significant, constant support” given by the UK to Ukraine. He remarked that the UK will play an important role in ensuring long-term peace in Ukraine, referring to his request for the UK to agree to become a security guarantor alongside other major players such as the United States (US), China, and Russia. Moreover, Zelensky urged other countries to follow the example of the UK in terms of providing Ukraine with top-level military assistance and also imposing an embargo on Russian energy.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, EU Foreign Affairs representative Josep Borrell and Slovak Prime Minister Geger meet with Ukrainian President Zelensky in Kyiv.#UkraineRussianWar pic.twitter.com/8bmzWxO5Qs
— Alex Tiffin (@RespectIsVital) April 8, 2022
Johnson’s visit was preceded by that of European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, who met the Ukrainian President in Kyiv on Friday. In a speech from the Ukrainian capital, von der Leyen declared, “My message today is clear: Ukraine belongs in the European family,” affirming the European Union’s (EU) support for Ukraine.
Additionally, von der Leyen announced over $1 billion to Kyiv in arms assistance, adding that an additional $500 million are in the works. In this regard, the EU chief hailed member state Slovakia’s “unprecedented” effort in delivering military equipment to Ukraine. The EU made a commitment of $1 billion, which will be delivered in three parts, to support Ukraine’s economy.
Both Johnson and von der Leyen’s visits come against the backdrop of Ukrainian authorities claiming that they have discovered around 1,200 bodies in areas that were occupied by Russian forces before their withdrawal, including Bucha. According to Kyiv, the Russian military is preparing for “even larger operations” in the Donbas region after having failed to capture any major cities in the country.
Separately, Russian President Vladimir Putin is set to meet Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer today, which will be his first in-person meeting with an EU leader since the Ukraine war began on February 24.