Boris Johnson in Kiev on second visit, pledges more arms for Ukraine

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British Prime Minister Boris Johnson returned to Kiev on Friday for his second visit in less than two months, according to President Volodymyr Zelensky, who praised Britain's "resolute" support for Ukraine.

Zelensky wrote on Telegram that "many days of this war have proved that Great Britain's support for Ukraine is firm and resolute. Glad to see our country's great friend Boris Johnson in Kyiv again."

The British PM tweeted it was "good" to be in Kiev again.

"Many days of this war have proved that Great Britain's support for Ukraine is firm and resolute. Glad to see our country's great friend Boris Johnson in Kyiv again." 

Mr President, Volodymyr,

It is good to be in Kyiv again. pic.twitter.com/wbpMuf6YqY

— Boris Johnson (@BorisJohnson) June 17, 2022

The visit comes roughly four months after the European Union's most prominent heads of state-backed Ukraine's ambition to be recognized as a candidate for EU membership.

France, Germany, Italy, and Romania all support Ukraine getting "immediate" formal candidate status to join the European Union, French President Emmanuel Macron said Thursday in Kiev.

Ukraine applied for the EU membership on February 28, shortly after Russia launched its military operation. It was followed by Georgia and Moldova, which decided to fast-track submission of their applications and similarly received the EU questionnaire in mid-April. 

Last month, EU executives had reviewed Ukraine's accession bid in record time; cutting the process from months to weeks. This cut was defended by the chief spokesperson of the European Commission, Eric Mamer.

Russian President Vladimir Putin had warned Ukraine against joining the European Union and NATO as Kiev aspired to obtain membership in both after the Ukraine war broke out.

More weapons for Ukraine

The PM also discussed arming Kiev with additional heavy weapons and air defense systems, according to the head of the Ukrainian presidential office Andriy Yermak.

On his Telegram channel, Yermak wrote how "today, together with Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the [president’s] office and the government team met with our good friend and ally, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson. We discussed with Boris the need to supply heavy weapons and air defense systems, economic support for Ukraine, increased sanctions pressure on Russia … as well as security guarantees for Ukraine and the need for Russia to compensate for the losses caused to our state."

Yesterday, Macron assured Zelensky that "Europe" is on his side, pledging 6 more Caesars to Kiev.

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