Boris Johnson vowed UK will lead Kyiv rebuild, says Ukraine President Zelensky

Boris Johnson has vowed that the UK will lead the rebuilding of Ukraine's capital Kyiv, President Volodmyr Zelensky has said after the UK Prime Minister's surprise visit to the city.

Describing Mr Johnson as "'a sincere friend of Ukraine'" Mr Zelensky said the PM was "very specific today in answering my questions". He continued: "We have already decided what help the United Kingdom will provide to the post-war reconstruction of Ukraine. The British people are ready to take patronage over the restoration of Kyiv and the Kyiv region."

Mr Johnson had said the West will supply Ukraine with the equipment it needs to ensure it can never again be invaded by Russia after holding surprise talks with President Volodymyr Zelensky in Kyiv. It comes just a day after Mr Johnson announced a further £100 million worth of kit for Kyiv, including anti-tank and anti-aircraft weaponry and so-called “suicide drones”, which loiter over the battlefield before attacking their target.

Appearing alongside Mr Zelensky in a recorded broadcast clip, Mr Johnson said the West would continue to “ratchet up” sanctions on Moscow as he praised the courage of the Ukrainian resistance. “I think that the Ukrainians have shown the courage of a lion, and you Volodymyr have given the roar of that lion,” said Mr Johnson.

“The UK and others (will) supply the equipment, the technology, the know-how, the intelligence, so that Ukraine will never be invaded again. So Ukraine is so fortified and protected – that Ukraine can never be bullied again. Never be blackmailed again. Never be threatened in the same way again.”

Speaking after his meeting with Johnson, in his daily video address, Mr Zelesnky said "Ukraine will always be grateful to Boris and Britain" for the