[Watch] UK PM Boris Johnson Walks Through Kyiv’s Streets, Zelensky By His Side

Kyiv: UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson made a surprise visit to Ukraine’s capital on Saturday and walked through the streets of war-torn Kyiv with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy by his side.

“What Vladimir 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.

The UK PM waved and interacted with the city’s residents, as armed guards flanked him and Zelenskyy.

A Ukrainian man stopped Johnson and seemed to offer thanks. “It is nice to meet you, and it has been our privilege to help. You have a remarkable President, Mr Zelenskyy, who has done an outstanding job. We simply wish to keep supporting the people of Ukraine for as long as it takes,” the UK PM said in response.

At a handshake distance. @BorisJohnson and @ZelenskyyUa walked through the center of Kyiv and talked to ordinary Kyivans. This is what democracy looks like. This is what courage looks like. This is what true friendship between peoples and between nations looks like. pic.twitter.com/ZcdL6NqNp2

— Defense of Ukraine (@DefenceU) April 9, 2022

The Ukrainian people have “shown the courage of a lion”, he said. “The world has found new heros and those heroes are the people of Ukraine.”

At their meeting in Kyiv, Johnson told Zelenskyy that the UK would provide armoured vehicles and anti-ship missile systems, along with additional support for World Bank loans.

“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 in a statement. “It is because of President Zelenskyy’s resolute leadership and the invincible heroism and courage of the Ukrainian people that Putin’s monstrous aims are being thwarted.”