Boris Johnson makes surprise visit to Kyiv, promises more British weapons

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has made a surprise visit to Kyiv to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. 

Johnson’s trip marks one of the highest profile face-to-face meetings with Zelensky. He is the first leader of the Group of 7 (G7) most industrialised nations to meet Ukraine’s president in person during the war.

The UK PM visited Kyiv for talks with Mr Zelensky and to “show of solidarity with the Ukrainian people”.

“They will discuss the UK’s long-term support to Ukraine and the PM will set out a new package of financial and military aid,” a spokesman said.

After the meeting, the prime minister said: “Ukraine has defied the odds and pushed back Russian forces from the gates of Kyiv, achieving the greatest feat of arms of the 21st century.

“It is because of President Zelenskiy’s resolute leadership and the invincible heroism and courage of the Ukrainian people that Putin’s monstrous aims are being thwarted. I made clear today that the United Kingdom stands unwaveringly with them in this ongoing fight, and we are in it for the long run.

“We are stepping up our own military and economic support and convening a global alliance to bring this tragedy to an end, and ensure Ukraine survives and thrives as a free and sovereign nation.”

British weapons

Britain will send 120 armoured vehicles and new anti-ship missile systems to Ukraine.

The UK pledged £100m in military assistance last week, including another 800 anti-tank missiles, more Starstreak anti-aircraft weapons, “suicide drones”, which hover over the battlefield before attacking a target, and helmets, body armour and night vision goggles.

London did not announce Mr Johnson’s Ukraine visit ahead of time, however journalists in London asked the PM about a possible visit during a press conference on Friday.

The European visits come after Ukraine pushed back Russian troops from the Kyiv region late last month

Last week, Dmitry Peskov, a Kremlin spokesperson, said the country had “significant losses of troops and it’s a huge tragedy for us” during an interview on Sky News.