'Astonishing courage': Praise for Brits ambushed and shot down by Russian soldiers

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has praised the "courage" of journalists who risked their lives to cover the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Sky News chief correspondent, Stuart Ramsay, was hit by a bullet in the lower back as a car carrying him and his crew was shot down towards Kyiv on Monday.

Camera operator Richie Mockler was also hit by two rounds before the news team was able to escape and take cover.

Read more: Terrifying footage shows British journalist in Ukraine shot and wounded in Russian ambush near Kyiv

Fortunately, the crew were wearing body armour and escaped without serious injury. They fled to a nearby warehouse where they took shelter, and were later rescued by Ukrainian police.

Mr Johnson said: "The courage of these journalists, putting themselves in terrifying and dangerous situations, is astonishing to watch.

"They're risking their lives to ensure that the truth is told. Free press will not be intimidated or cowed by barbaric and indiscriminate acts of violence."

Mr Ramsay said in a recollection of the incident: "We were in shock, no doubt about. But elated to be alive. Martin said to me, it's a miracle any of us got out, let alone all five of us."

He later added: "The point is we were very lucky. But thousands of Ukrainians are dying, and families are being targeted by Russian hit squads just as we were, driving along in a family saloon and attacked."

It comes after Mr Johnson said it appears Russian President Vladimir Putin sees no way out of the Ukraine invasion "except to continue with the destruction".

He said: "It feels to me as though Vladimir Putin as decided to - and it's clear from what's happening - that he's decided to double down.

"He sees no way out of the cul-de-sac that he's in, except