UK's Johnson meets Ukrainian leader Zelenskyy in surprise visit to Kyiv

By Muhammad Mussa

LONDON, UK (AA) - British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Saturday made an unannounced visit to Ukraine where he held talks with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

According to a government statement, Johnson pledged further military and humanitarian support to Ukraine in its fight against Russia's "special military operation" that began on Feb. 24.

“It is a privilege to be able to travel to Ukraine and meet President Zelenskyy in person in Kyiv today. 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,” Johnson said.

“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,” he added.

The prime minister confirmed further economic support, guaranteeing an additional $500 million (£385 million) in World Bank lending to Ukraine, taking the total loan guarantee to up to $1 billion.

Johnson’s journey to the Ukrainian capital was made possible after the withdrawal of Russian forces in and around the region of Kyiv. Other European leaders including European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen also met Zelenskyy in recent days.

“The UK is the leader in defense support for Ukraine. The leader in the antiwar coalition. The leader in sanctions against the Russian aggressor,” Andriy Sybiha, deputy head of Ukraine’s president office, said on Facebook.

Johnson’s visit to Ukraine comes a day after the UK announced a new £100 million military aid package to the Ukrainian armed forces that will see the donation of armored vehicles as well as anti-tank and surface-to-air missiles.

The UK has followed its allies in imposing financial sanctions on Russia, along with penalizing President Vladimir Putin, his daughters, and other high-ranking officials.