“You got others united when it seemed absolutely, absolutely impossible…”
Downing Street has just announced that President Zelenskyy is to visit the UK today for the first time since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. During a whistlestop tour, he’ll visit Rishi in No. 10 this morning, address parliament, and visit training Ukrainian troops.
The visit comes as the PM announces plans to expand training for the Armed Forces of Ukraine to sea and air, including fighter jet pilots and marines.
Rishi says:
“President Zelenskyy’s visit to the UK is a testament to his country’s courage, determination and fight, and a testament to the unbreakable friendship between our two countries.
“Since 2014, the UK has provided vital training to Ukrainian forces, allowing them to defend their country, protect their sovereignty and fight for their territory.
“I am proud that today we will expand that training from soldiers to marines and fighter jet pilots, ensuring Ukraine has a military able to defend its interests well into the future. It also underlines our commitment to not just provide military equipment for the short term, but a long-term pledge to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Ukraine for years to come.”
The UK will also announce further Russian sanctions later this morning. Another busy day ahead...
An interview with Boris from an upcoming documentary released by the BBC this morning reveals Putin threatened to kill him over the UK’s support for Ukraine. During a chat between the two of them “on the blower”, the Russian leader warned Boris “I don’t want to hurt you, but with a missile it would only take a minute”. Boris calls the chat “jolly”…
This morning, Mayor of Kyiv Vitali Klitschko presented Boris with an honorary “Citizen of Kyiv” medal to recognise the former PM’s work in supporting Ukraine since the start of the war. The latest in a long line of accolades the Ukrainian people have bestowed on him…
Writing on Telegram, Klitschko said:
“As Prime Minister of Great Britain, Johnson did everything possible to help Ukraine. And continues to support us and convince the civilised world of the necessary support.”
Later, in front of a packed audience at the Ukrainian Breakfast 2023 event, Boris once again reinforced the need to continue backing the country against Russian aggression, including with tanks. Making it clear the West shouldn’t be threatened by Putin’s posturing…
“I say focus on Ukraine and not Putin. Putin is not going to use Nuclear weapons. What we must do is support Zelenskyy and Ukraine. Give them the tanks, there is nothing to be lost… [Putin] is like the fat boy in Dickens. He wants to make our flesh creep.”
At the same event, Canadian Deputy PM Chrystia Freeland chimed in: “this puck is going to Ukrainian victory, so let’s skate there. Let’s make it happen as quickly as possible.” Without skipping a beat, Boris added: “tell Putin to get the puck out of Ukraine”…
Zelenskyy received a hero’s welcome in Washington overnight, with a speech to Congress that garnered multiple standing ovations. On the 300th day of the war in Ukraine, Zelenskyy told US politicians, “Your money is not charity. It is an investment in global security and democracy that we handle in the most responsible way,” adding “There can’t be any ‘just peace’ in the war that was imposed on us.”
He unveiled a Ukrainian flag, given to him by soldiers who asked for him to take it to the US on his visit.
At least his visit this time went a little better than when he went to meet Trump…
