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Johnson promises additional support for Ukraine during his visit to Kiev

Kyiv (Reuters) – British Prime Minister Boris Johnson held talks with Volodymyr Zelensky in Kyiv on Saturday about additional financial and military aid. This should prevent Ukraine from invading again. The Ukrainian president promised 120 armored vehicles and British missile systems to take out the warships. This is in addition to 120 million euros worth of military equipment already pledged on Friday.

Johnson generously praised the Ukrainian military for providing “the greatest achievement of the twenty-first century”. He also praised the efforts of the Ukrainian President. “Thanks to Zelensky’s determined leadership and the courage of the Ukrainian people, Putin’s hideous intentions have been thwarted,” a statement from Downing Street said.

Johnson wanted to meet Zelensky in person “to show solidarity with the Ukrainian people.” According to Zelensky’s office, the two leaders initially spoke privately. Oil and gas supplies from Russia to the West were also discussed. Johnson said the UK would stop importing them as quickly as possible. Zelensky said he hopes many countries will follow the UK’s lead.

Johnson’s visit to Kyiv was unannounced and comes at a time when Russia is massing its forces in the east of the country. The British prime minister had already announced via Twitter earlier in the day that he would do more for Ukraine and “will target every pillar of the Russian economy in cooperation with G7 partners to ensure that Putin does not succeed in his plan.” He repeated it again in Kyiv after his meeting with Zelensky.