Former UK PM Boris Johnson instills confidence in Ukraine to win war with Russia

London, Aug 25: On Ukraine's Independence Day, outgoing UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson met with Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky in Kyiv on Wednesday (Aug 24) as the Ukraine war completes six months into the war.

 

 

 

Earlier, while announcing the visit on Twitter, 10 Downing Street shared an image of Johnson speaking to Zelensky outside the Mariinsky Palace in Kyiv. Johnson wrote in a tweet, "What happens in Ukraine matters to us all. That is why I am in Kyiv today. That is why the UK will continue to stand with our Ukrainian friends. I believe Ukraine can and will win this war." Johnson has been one of the most vocal supporters of Ukraine as the country continues to resist Russia's invasion.

 

 

 

 

 

On Wednesday (Aug 24), Zelensky presented Johnson with a parting gift, awarding him the Order of Freedom for "the work that Boris has been doing for our country and all of Europe." The UK has poured more than Euros 2.3 billion (USD 2.71 billion) into military and financial aid to Ukraine since the invasion began, according to a statement from Downing Street. The UK govt Wednesday (Aug 24) also announced that it will provide Ukraine with mine-hunting vehicles, drones and loitering munitions worth euros 54 million (USD 63.5 million).

 

The UK and Ukraine have announced their intention to pursue a new digital trade agreement to help Ukraine rebuild its economy and protect livelihoods following Russia's invasion. International Trade Secretary Anne-Marie Trevelyan met with First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy of Ukraine Yuliia Svyrydenko and Vice Prime Minister and Minister of Digital Transformation of Ukraine Mykhailo Fedorov virtually and Ukrainian Ambassador to the UK Vadym Prystaiko in person in London on Tuesday (Aug 23) to reiterate the UK's unwavering support for Ukraine and begin talks.