Boris Johnson makes surprise visit to Kyiv as PM tells Volodymyr Zelensky he ‘can and will win’

Boris Johnson today made another surprise visit to Kyiv as he told Ukrainians they ‘can and will win’ the war with Russia.

The Prime Minister travelled to the Ukrainian capital on the country’s independence day, which marks 31 years since Ukraine’s independence from Soviet rule. 

Mr Johnson used the trip – his third to Kyiv since the start of Russia’s barbaric invasion in late February – to announce a new £54million package of British military support.

He also held talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky as the country prepares to enter winter still in conflict with Russia.

The PM reiterated Britain’s unwavering support for Ukraine, including through humanitarian aid, support in the investigation of war crimes by Russian forces, and help in rebuilding the country’s economy.

Mr Johnson, in his final visit to Ukraine before he leaves Downing Street, was bestowed with Ukraine’s ‘Order of Liberty’ – the country’s highest award for foreign nationals – on his visit.

The PM said:  ‘For the past six months, the UK 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.

‘What happens in Ukraine matters to us all, which is why I am here today to deliver the message that the UK is with you and will be with you for the days and months ahead, and you can and will win.’

Boris Johnson posted a picture of himself meeting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Kyiv today

The PM’s visit was his third to the Ukrainian capital since the start of Russia’s barbaric invasion in late February

As part of the new package of British military support, Ukraine will be supplied with 2,000 state-of-the-art drones and anti-tank loitering munitions to help Ukrainian forces better fight against Russian invaders.

Downing Street hopes this will bolster Ukraine’s long-range surveillance and defensive targeting ability.

The package includes 850 hand-launched ‘Black Hornet’ micro-drones, which are specifically designed for use in towns and villages and are used to detect approaching enemy forces. 

Each drone is smaller than a mobile phone and feeds back live video and still images to allow forces on the ground to defend urban areas safely.

Troops can be trained to fly the drones in under 20 minutes.

Britain is also preparing to give mine-hunting vehicles to Ukraine to help detect Russian mines in the waters off its coastline.

Ukrainian troops will be trained in how to use them in British waters in the coming weeks.

Britain has so far committed more than £2.3billion of military and financial aid to Ukraine since Russia’s invasion began earlier this year.