British Prime Minister Boris Johnson met face to face with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Saturday, a surprise visit that marks the latest show of solidarity with the former Soviet state as it continues efforts to beat back a Russian invasion.
Andriy Sybiha, deputy head of the Ukrainian president’s office, confirmed on Facebook that Zelensky and Johnson met.
“Right now Boris Johnson’s visit to Kiev began with a tet-a-tet meeting with President Zelensky. Great Britain leader in defense support of Ukraine. The leader in the anti-war coalition. Leader in sanctions on Russian aggressor,” Sybiha said.
In his own post to the social media outlet, Zelensky said that Johnson is “one of the most principled opponents of the Russian invasion” and a “leader in sanctions pressure.”
A Downing Street spokesperson told The Washington Post that the British leader traveled to Ukraine to show “solidarity with the Ukrainian people.”
Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer also met with Zelensky on Saturday, according to the Ukrainian leader.
“Discussed with Karl Nehammer strengthening sanctions pressure on Russia, supporting the energy, oil embargo on the aggressor, our EU membership. The world must do everything it can to stop war. We appreciate Austria’s support on this journey,” Zelensky said in a post on Facebook, showing the two holding a press conference together.
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Boris Johnson makes surprise visit to Kyiv to meet with Zelensky https://t.co/I69Hz68Qhz pic.twitter.com/236WcmPHsg
— The Hill (@thehill) April 9, 2022
These visits are little more than photo ops. Plus they are dangerous for all involved and they take Ukrainian security and military forces away from real fighting. Here’s a thought: World leaders — instead of going to Ukraine just to have your photo taken with President Zelensky, how about at least giving him the arms and equipment he needs to fight the Russians?
NEW: confirming the UK is sending Harpoon anti-ship missiles to Ukraine. Huge move, can do serious damage to Russian warships.
— Paul McLeary (@paulmcleary) April 9, 2022
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