Boris Johnson, the British Prime Minister, took a strong step recently when he made an unannounced visit to the recently liberated capital city of Kyiv, Ukraine, in order to tour the war-torn streets alongside Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and to talk about what the various western nations could be doing in order to continue to render aid to the people of Ukraine.
The prime minister’s arrival took place just a scant few days after the Ukrainian defense forces were able to toss back the Russian invasion forces from the city and its surrounding area.
As part of his visit, the British PM tweeted out a video of the pair walking through the damaged and empty city of Kyiv, all while escorted by a contingent of armed Ukrainian defense forces. The post sported the caption: “The Ukrainians have the courage of a lion. President @ZelenskyyUa has given the roar of that lion. The UK stands unwaveringly with the people of Ukraine. Slava Ukraini.”
The Ukrainians have the courage of a lion.
President @ZelenskyyUa has given the roar of that lion.
The UK stands unwaveringly with the people of Ukraine.
Slava Ukraini 🇬🇧 🇺🇦 pic.twitter.com/u6vGYqmK4V
— Boris Johnson (@BorisJohnson) April 9, 2022
“Over the last few hours, I’ve been able to see quite a lot of your beautiful country,” stated Johnson. “And it’s an amazing country. I’ve also seen the tragic effects of the war. An inexcusable war, an absolutely inexcusable and unnecessary war.”
“But having been here in Kyiv just for a few hours, I have absolutely no doubt Volodymyr — listening to you, listening to your team, your redoubtable team — I have no doubt at all that an independent sovereign Ukraine will rise again, thanks above all to the heroism, the courage of the people of Ukraine,” continued the prime minister.
“Thank you very much, and Slava Ukraini,” stated Johnson in conclusion, ending the interaction with a phrase that translates to “Glory to Ukraine.”
Today I met my friend President @ZelenskyyUa in Kyiv as a show of our unwavering support for the people of Ukraine.
We're setting out a new package of financial & military aid which is a testament of our commitment to his country's struggle against Russia’s barbaric campaign. pic.twitter.com/KNY0Nm6NQ3
— Boris Johnson (@BorisJohnson) April 9, 2022
“Today I met my friend President in Kyiv as a show of our unwavering support for the people of Ukraine,” stated Johnson in another tweet. “We’re setting out a new package of financial & military aid which is a testament of our commitment to his country’s struggle against Russia’s barbaric campaign.”
The defense reporter for The Kyiv Independent, Illia Ponomorenko, lauded the meeting of the pair of world leaders, stating, “This is one of the greatest videos the internet has ever seen.”
This is one of the greatest videos the internet has ever seen. pic.twitter.com/fZ2R0OT51W
— Illia Ponomarenko 🇺🇦 (@IAPonomarenko) April 9, 2022
“@BorisJohnson´s visit to Kyiv (he didn’t come with empty hands) is historically remarkable and widely appreciated in Ukraine,” tacked on Inna Shevchenko.
. @BorisJohnson ´s visit to Kyiv (he didn’t come with empty hands) is historically remarkable and widely appreciated in Ukraine. https://t.co/ItucHOFpK7
— inna shevchenko (@femeninna) April 10, 2022
Nevertheless, quite a few people stated that while they did not like Johnson or his style of leadership, they still applauded his initiative to make the trip out to Ukraine.
“Make fun of him as much as you wish to, but @BorisJohnson is walking the talk. In fact most of the so called liberal leadership in West is only giving lip service to; and its the much criticized conservative leaders who are actually doing what they are expected to do,” stated Yashwant Deshmukh in a tweet.
Heather Nauert, a former State Department Spokeswoman who served under the former President Donald Trump’s administration, was among those who issued credit to johnson for putting his money where his mouth was, so to speak.
“This is awesome. So proud of Bojo & UK for visiting #Ukraine,” she said in a tweet, adding the hashtag “#BorisJohnson.”