A video of a meeting between British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is going viral.
The Ukrainian Ministry of Defense posted a video to Twitter showing Johnson and Zelenskyy walking through the streets of Kyiv.
The caption reads, “At a handshake distance. [Boris Johnson] and [Zelenskyy] walked through the center of Kyiv and talked to ordinary Kyivans.”
It continues, “This is what democracy looks like. This is what courage looks like. This is what true friendship between peoples and between nations looks like.”
Later in the video, Johnson approached a Ukrainian man and shook his hand.
“It’s nice to meet you and it’s been our privilege to help you. You have a remarkable president. Mr. Zelenskyy has done an outstanding job and we simply wish to keep supporting the people of Ukraine for as long as it takes,” Johnson said.
Watch the video below:
At a handshake distance. @BorisJohnson and @ZelenskyyUa walked through the center of Kyiv and talked to ordinary Kyivans. This is what democracy looks like. This is what courage looks like. This is what true friendship between peoples and between nations looks like. pic.twitter.com/ZcdL6NqNp2
— Defense of Ukraine (@DefenceU) April 9, 2022
Johnson posted a similar video on his Twitter account, saying, “The Ukrainians have the courage of a lion. President [Zelenskyy] 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.
— Boris Johnson (@BorisJohnson) April 9, 2022
President @ZelenskyyUa has given the roar of that lion.
The UK stands unwaveringly with the people of Ukraine.
Slava Ukraini
pic.twitter.com/u6vGYqmK4V
In another tweet, Johnson said he met with Zelenskyy as “a show of our unwavering support for the people of Ukraine.”
He added, “We’re setting out a new package of financial and military aid which is a testament of our commitment to his country’s struggle against Russia’s barbaric campaign.”
Several users took to the social media platform to react to the video:
War is good for western politicians career most of the time. #JustSayin https://t.co/55N5LAL490
— Abier (@abierkhatib) April 10, 2022
Zelya and Borya. I’m not a fan of Johnson but he did the right thing here, showing support and also backing that show up with supplies of equipment and weapons.
— Euan MacDonald (@Euan_MacDonald) April 9, 2022
Your turn next, Bundeskanzler Scholz. https://t.co/UIiHJvzN8f
Amazing to see @BorisJohnson & @ZelenskyyUa walking streets of wartime #Kiev, scenes familiar to me from covering visits to #Ukraine by Presidents Bush 41 & @BillClinton. https://t.co/veYnnsfXwI
— PETER MAER (@petermaer) April 9, 2022
You don’t have to like everything about Boris.
— Sebastian Gorka DrG (@SebGorka) April 9, 2022
And I don’t.
But respect is due for his flying into a warzone to stand with the people of Ukraine.
This is in the best tradition of indomitable British Prime Ministers. https://t.co/S2CZDzKFp8
Wow. A moment that ought to be a source of
— Luke de Pulford (@lukedepulford) April 9, 2022
This is leadership. @BorisJohnson @ZelenskyyUa https://t.co/TE9oZAX3Al
— Jim Hendren (@JimHendren1) April 9, 2022
Johnson announced a new package of financial and military aid for Ukraine after the visit, as CNN reported.
“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,” Johnson said in a statement.
Additionally, Johnson acknowledged Zelenskyy’s “resolute leadership” and the “invincible heroism and courage of the Ukrainian people.”
Zelenskyy later expressed his appreciation for Johnson and the UK.
“Boris was among those who didn’t doubt for a minute whether to support Ukraine. The leadership of Great Britain in providing our country help in defense, and also leadership in the sanctions policy, will always be in history,” Zelenskyy said.
He continued, “Ukraine will always be grateful for this to Boris and Britain.”
