British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said that Ukraine can and will win the ongoing war with Russia. He urged world leaders at the G7 Summit not to "give up" on the newest NATO candidate.
Russia started the invasion of Ukraine four months ago on February 24. Boris Johnson has been supporting Kyiv by publically speaking against Russia and visiting the capital twice. Britain has helped the Ukrainian army by sending weapons.
Johnson also pledged financial support for Ukraine and encouraged other nations to do so. He said: "Ukraine can win and it will win. But they need our backing to do so. Now is not the time to give up on Ukraine," reported AFP.
A UK spokesperson said any sign of fatigue or wavering in Western support for Ukraine will play directly into Putin's hands. "Support for Ukraine needs to enter a new phase. The question is how to best empower Kyiv". The UK is also calling for more sanctions against Russia and its allies.
A statement from Downing Street had said the UK is set to provide $525 million in loan guarantees to Kyiv. This raises the total amount of British financial and humanitarian aid to Ukraine to around $1.8 billion.
The G7 Summit is being held from June 26-28 in Schloss Elmau, Krün, Bavarian Alps, Germany. It will be followed by a NATO meeting in Madrid. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is due to address G7 leaders on Monday via video.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has left for Germany to take part in the G7 Summit. He will be meeting leaders of guest countries and exchanging views on contemporary issues like the environment, energy, climate, food security, health, counter-terrorism, gender equality, and democracy.