Zelensky has ‘courage of a lion’, says Johnson on Kyiv walkabout

The British PM has agreed to provide Ukraine with 120 armoured vehicles and anti-ship missile systems during his surprise Ukraine visit.

Boris Johnson walks in central Kyiv with Volodymyr Zelensky on Saturday. Picture: AFP

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has agreed to provide Ukraine with 120 armoured vehicles and new anti-ship missile systems during a surprise visit to Kyiv.

Mr Johnson walked around Kyiv with Volodymyr Zelensky in a show of support after a one-to-one meeting with the Ukrainian President at the Mariinskyi Palace, the presidential residence, on Saturday afternoon to finalise the shopping list of new weapons.

A video released by Mr Zelensky’s office showed him and Johnson walking through largely empty city streets to Kyiv’s historic Maidan Square, as snipers kept watch.

The two men greeted passersby, and one visibly emotional man called out to Mr Johnson: “We need you.”

Mr Johnson said the discovery of scores of civilian bodies in Ukrainian towns had “permanently polluted” Russian President Vladimir Putin’s reputation.

Hailing the Ukrainian defence as “the greatest feat of arms of the 21st century”, Mr Johnson said it was important to support Ukraine “in this crucial phase while Russia’s illegal assault continues”.

The prime ministerial visit comes a day after Russia’s deadly missile attack at the train station in Kramatorsk, which killed at least 52 people, including five children, and maimed hundreds of others, many of whom lost limbs. Mr Johnson said Ukrainians had shown “the courage of a lion” and told Mr Zelensky he had “given the roar of that lion”.

Mr Johnson’s decision to send in armoured vehicles comes as NATO last week relaxed its interpretation of “defensive weapons”, arguing that all weapons to Ukraine defending its territory are logically defensive. Up until now NATO has not wanted to supply “offensive” weapons such as tanks to reduce the risk of escalating the war outside Ukraine territory.

The British armour and anti- ship missile systems heading to Ukraine are in addition to the £100m ($175m) worth of high-grade military equipment announced on Friday, including more Starstreak anti-aircraft missiles, another 800 anti-tank missiles and high-tech drones for precision strikes.

Mr Zelensky hailed Mr Johnson as “one of the most principled opponents of the Russian invasion”.

The two leaders have been incredibly tight with twice-daily phone calls in the past six weeks of the Russian war on Ukraine, and the Kremlin has declared Mr Johnson its main enemy for his galvanising of the West against Russia.

Britain has been one of the most responsive Western counties, apart from the US, in providing aid, having already sent in $600m worth of weapons and $750m of economic and humanitarian support. On Saturday, Mr Johnson also confirmed further economic support, guaranteeing an additional $US500m ($672m) in World Bank lending to Ukraine, taking Britain’s total loan guarantee to up to $US1bn.

“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, he said. “It is because of President Zelensky’s resolute leadership and the invincible heroism and courage of the Ukrainian people that Putin’s monstrous aims are being thwarted.

“I made clear today that the United Kingdom stands unwaveringly with them in this ongoing fight, and we are in it for the long run. 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.”

Soon after the meeting, Mr Zelensky wrote: “The Prime Minister of the United Kingdom Boris Johnson is one of the most principled opponents of the Russian invasion, a leader in sanctions pressure on Russia and defence support of Ukraine. Welcome to Kyiv my friend.”

European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen has pledged €1bn to support both Ukraine and neighbouring countries that have taken more than 4 million refugees. She said before leaving Ukraine on Saturday, and having the day before visited Bucha, where Russian troops massacred civilians: “My instinct says if this is not a war crime, what is a war crime?’’