New details have emerged about Boris Johnson’s secret trip to Ukraine, where he held surprise talks and walked the streets of Kyiv with President Vladimir Zelensky.
Video and photos have surfaced showing Johnson traveling by train from Poland to Ukraine ahead of Saturday’s meeting.
In a video shared by Ukrainian Railways online, the Prime Minister said: “I am traveling on a fantastic train to Kyiv from Poland – I just want to say a big thank you to all the staff of Ukrainian Railways for what you are doing. ”
Mr Johnson added: “I understand that you are called the Iron Men… I think that also reflects the spirit you are showing and the spirit of Ukraine in resisting the horrific aggression we are seeing. We in the United Kingdom express our sympathy and solidarity with you. “
In a statement on the Ukrainian Railways website, the service praised the Prime Minister’s “iron character” and thanked him for his “courage and support”.
The UK government has promised 120 armored vehicles as well as new anti-ship missile systems, and the prime minister has promised that the equipment will help ensure that the country “can never be harassed again”.
Appearing with Mr. Zelensky, Mr. Johnson said: “I think the Ukrainians showed the courage of a lion, and you, Vladimir, roared at that lion,” he said.
Downing Street declined to discuss details of Mr Johnson’s trip to Kyiv or his walk on the streets, citing security concerns.
However, his visit coincided with the arrival of Austrian Chancellor Karl Nechamer, who also held talks with Mr Zelenski while European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen was in town on Friday.
Zelensky’s chief diplomatic adviser said it was “very important” for Ukrainians to see leaders like Mr. Johnson come to their homeland – saying that “every visit, every phone call, every act of support counts and leads us to victory “
Igor Zhovkva told Sunday Morning on BBC One: “It may be a surprise for you, but it is not a surprise for us. We have been preparing for some time. This visit was very timely and very important from the point of view of the war. “
Mr Johnson did not arrive “empty-handed”, Mr Zhovhva said of the UK’s promised anti-ship missiles, but also said that Ukraine needed more. “We need a lot more weapons – weapons, weapons and weapons.”
The adviser suggested that more Western leaders are expected next week, and Mr Zelenski is determined to meet with leaders in the capital.
Boris Johnson walks the streets of Kyiv with Zelensky
Meanwhile, Interior Minister Keith Malthaus said Britain could impose sanctions on Russian troops and generals suspected of committing war crimes in Ukraine.
Mr Malthaus told Sky News Sophy Ridge in Sunday’s program that it was important to gather evidence of the atrocities as diligently as possible.
He said: “While this is ongoing, we can take action in the internal market around sanctions that we are able to impose on individuals, including fighters, leading generals and others involved in it, to signal that we recognize their role. in this horrible, horrible attack.
Mr Malthaus said Johnson’s walk with President Zelensky on the streets of Kyiv on Saturday was “quite a remarkable moment”.
Add Comment