Thursday 7 July 2022 04:27 PM Boris Johnson rings Zelensky and says Britain will continue to back Ukraine in ... trends now
Boris Johnson has phoned Ukraine's President Zelensky to reiterate his support for Ukraine and called the leader a 'hero' that 'everybody loves' - within hours of announcing his resignation after 59 of his ministers quit.
The PM has been a strong supporter of the Ukrainian president since war first broke out in the country following the invasion by Russia in February of this year.
He has secretly visited Ukraine several times in the last few months, most recently and controversially cancelling a trip to a conference with northern Tories on June 17 to fly to Kyiv instead.
The move did little to calm northern and rebel MPs, especially those who are in traditionally-Labour held seats - but he has consistently won praise for his support of the Ukrainian military.
After resigning as UK PM following 59 ministerial resignations in the space of 48 hours, Mr Johnson held a phone call with President Zelensky to assure him of his continued support for the country ahead of a Conservative leadership contest which could begin as soon as next week.
Boris Johnson phoned President Zelensky a matter of hours after resigning as head of the Conservative Party
In what could be one of his last interactions with the Ukrainian President as PM, Mr Johnson told him he is a 'hero' and 'everybody loves him'
Prime Minister Boris Johnson shaking hands with President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky, prior to talks during his visit to Kyiv the Ukrainian capital in April
Mr Johnson says he discussed the UK's 'unwavering cross-party support' for the Ukrainian nation and its people during the call (Pictured: The PM visiting President Zelensky, right, in Kyiv last month)
In a statement in Downing Street at 12:30pm today, the PM tried to sound an upbeat tone as he confirmed that his time in office is coming to an end
Downing Street says he discussed the UK's 'unwavering cross-party support' in the wake of political events over the last few days, adding that the UK will 'continue to supply vital defensive aid for as long as needed.'
He added he will continue to try and end the grain blockade in the coming weeks - a reference to the war's contribution to rising food prices due to Ukraine being unable to export as much grain safely.
Ukraine has typically been one of the largest grain exporters in the world, but as well as sea and land blockades, it is also struggling to prevent Russia from allegedly stealing it.
The Downing Street spokesperson continued: 'He thanked President Zelenskyy for everything he's doing to stick up for freedom, for his friendship and for the kindness of the Ukrainian people.
'President Zelenskyy thanked the Prime Minister for his decisive action on Ukraine, and said the Ukrainian people were grateful for the UK's efforts.'
Mr Johnson bid farewell to President Zelenskyy with strong praise for his character, saying: 'You're a hero, everybody loves you'.
The call followed Mr Johnson being forced to step down as PM in the wake of new allegations against the former deputy whip, Chris Pincher.
It was triggered by revelations that the PM had been personally briefed about a complaint against Mr Pincher when he was working at the Foreign Office, despite initially saying he was unaware of any 'specific reports'.
Former Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak and Health Secretary Sajid Javid both resigned on Tuesday night after this came to light, beginning the wave of MPs confirming no confidence in him and relinquishing government roles.
Many of the former ministers pledged their own support for Ukraine and the UK's aid in their resignation letters.
Johnson's close relationship with the Ukrainian President has been clear from the beginning of the conflict with Russia and leading politicians in Ukraine have today thanked the UK for it's aid.
This afternoon Zelensky's adviser, Mykhailo Podolyak, took to Twitter to thank the PM for being 'the first to arrive in Kyiv, despite missile attacks' and 'always being at the forefront of supporting' Ukraine.
The last time the two leaders saw each other in Kyiv on June 17, The Prime Minister was keen to express the royal family's support for Ukraine too.
