During a visit to Kyiv on Saturday, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson warned that the finding of civilian deaths in Ukrainian cities has “permanently tainted” Russian President Vladimir Putin’s reputation.
“What Putin has done in places like Bucha and Irpin is war crimes that have permanently polluted his reputation and the reputation of his government,” Johnson said, standing next to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
Following the discovery of bodies in many cities where the Russian army fled, Johnson became the latest European leader to visit Kyiv this weekend.
Johnson commended Ukraine for “defying the odds” by fending off a Russian assault on Kyiv.
“The Russians believed Ukraine could be engulfed in a matter of days and that Kyiv would falls in hours to their armies,” he said, referring to Western intelligence.
“How wrong they were.”
The Ukrainian people have “shown the courage of a lion”, he added.
“The world has found new heros and those heroes are the people of Ukraine.”
After talks with Zelensky, Johnson vowed UK armoured vehicles and anti-ship missiles for Ukraine.
Zelensky called on the West to follow the UK in providing military aide to Ukraine and imposing sanctions on Russia.
“Other Western democratic countries should follow the UK’s example,” Zelensky said after talks with Johnson.
Ukraine ‘defied odds’
“It is because of President (Volodymyr) Zelensky’s resolute leadership and the invincible heroism and courage of the Ukrainian people that (Vladimir) Putin’s monstrous aims are being thwarted,” Johnson said after meeting Zelensky, according to a Downing Street statement.
Johnson set out extra military aid of 120 armoured vehicles and new anti-ship missile systems, “to support Ukraine in this crucial phase while Russia’s illegal assault continues”, the statement added.
This comes on top of additional Starstreak anti-aircraft missiles and 800 anti-tank missiles revealed by the UK on Friday, as well as “loitering” drones for “precise strikes” against the Russians.
Johnson promised a further $500 million via the International Bank as world powers staged a fundraising round for Ukraine.
This comes on top of additional Starstreak anti-aircraft missiles and 800 anti-tank missiles revealed by the UK on Friday, as well as “loitering” drones for “precise strikes” against the Russians.
Johnson promised a further $500 million via the International Bank as world powers staged a fundraising round for Ukraine.
It was a “pleasure” for Johnson to meet Zelensky in person on his unannounced visit to London, Johnson added.
“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,” he said.
“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.”
It was a “pleasure” for Johnson to meet Zelensky in person on his unannounced visit to London, Johnson added.
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