British Prime Minister Boris Johnson met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Saturday on an unannounced trip to the war-torn east-European country.
Johnson’s visit was confirmed after the embassy of Ukraine in the UK tweeted the two leaders meeting in person for the first time since the Russian invasion of Ukraine began on February 24.
Additionally, Zelenskyy’s deputy chief of staff, Andriy Sybiha, also confirmed their meeting in a post on Facebook.
Johnson later tweeted: “We’re setting out a new package of financial & military aid which is a testament of our commitment to his country’s struggle against Russia’s barbaric campaign.”
Johnson met Zelenskyy “in a show of solidarity with the Ukrainian people”, a Downing Street spokesperson said.
“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,” the spokesperson added.
On Zelenskyy’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”.
(With inputs from agencies)
