Boris Johnson visits Kyiv, Offers a military training programme for Ukrainian forces
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British Prime Minister Boris Johnson made a surprise visit to the Ukrainian capital Kyiv. He met with President Volodymyr Zelensky and offered a military training programme for Ukrainian forces.
This is the second time the UK leader has visited Kyiv since the Russian invasion started.
Johnson said the visit made amid the war is aimed at sending a clear and simple message to the people of Ukraine that the UK is with them. He added that Britain will stand with Ukraine until the nation ultimately prevails.
The major training operation for Ukrainian forces is said to have the potential to train up to 10,000 soldiers every 120 days, reported Reuters. Jhonson said Zelensky is a great friend. He shared a picture of standing with the Ukrainian leader and wrote "Mr President, Volodymyr, It is good to be in Kyiv again".
The UK PM said he offered President Zelensky a major new military training programme that can change the equation of the war. It will harness the most powerful force, the Ukrainian determination to win.
Zelensky said the war has proven that the UK's support for Ukraine is "firm and resolute". A statement from the President said that he and Johnson discussed the need to ramp up supplies of heavy weapons and to build up air defences. He added that the UK and his government have a shared vision for Ukraine's victory.
The duo visited a memorial to fallen Ukrainian soldiers.
A day before, leaders of France, Germany, Italy, and Romania travelled to Kyiv to endorse Ukraine's candidate status to join the EU.
Boris Johnson has been facing heat in the UK due to his action during the Covid-19 lockdown. However, he recently survived a no-confidence vote. On the other hand, his popularity in Ukraine seems to have grown as the UK has been providing military and political support in the fight against Russia.