British prime minister visits Kyiv on Ukraine’s Independence Day

LONDON

In a surprise visit to Kyiv, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson pledged fresh support to Ukraine on Wednesday.

Johnson met with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during the visit, which coincided with Ukraine's Independence Day, and announced a £54 million ($63.5 million) aid package including unmanned surveillance and missile systems.

According to a statement from his office, Johnson told Zelenskyy that Ukraine "can and will win the war" amid his third visit to the country embroiled in conflict with Russia.

He also called on the international community "to stay the course in Ukraine, as it continues to valiantly defend its sovereignty six months on from Putin’s brutal and illegal invasion."

"For the past six months, the United Kingdom has stood shoulder-to-shoulder with Ukraine, supporting this sovereign country to defend itself from this barbaric and illegal invader.

"Today's package of support will give the brave and resilient Ukrainian Armed Forces another boost in capability, allowing them to continue to push back Russian forces and fight for their freedom," he said.

He added: "What happens in Ukraine matters to us all, which is why I am here today to deliver the message that the United Kingdom is with you and will be with you for the days and months ahead, and you can and will win."

The military aid package will help improve Ukraine's long-range surveillance and defensive targeting capabilities, the statement said.

It also noted that the UK had so far committed more than £2.3 billion of military and financial aid to Ukraine since the war with Russia began on Feb. 24.