Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and British Prime Minister Boris Johnson met in Kiev to discuss Russia's ongoing hostile activities, including a troop build-up. This was reported by the press service of the Office of the President.
During the meeting, the two sides discussed a set of steps to contain the Russian Federation. They warned that any further Russian interference in Ukraine would be a massive strategic mistake and would have severe humanitarian consequences.
"Prevention is better than resuscitation. The British government's recent decision to draft legislation that would strengthen and expand sanctions for aggression against Ukraine proves this," President Volodymyr Zelensky stressed.
Ukraine and the UK have agreed to work together to strengthen Ukraine's security and defense capabilities. It has already been decided to increase the size of the Armed Forces by another 100,000 troops.
"We appreciate the assistance and practical help from the UK on this way. It is 1.7 billion pounds sterling for the Ukrainian navy, the construction of modern Ukrainian naval bases, the security and arms package, when transport planes of Her Majesty's Air Force delivered thousands of modern anti-tank missiles to Ukraine," - said Zelensky.
The leaders also expressed their commitment to strengthening Ukraine's energy security and supporting its green transformation efforts. In particular, the prime minister announced a package of new financial aid of 88 million pounds ($119 million) to support Ukraine's efforts to develop sustainability and reduce dependence on Russian energy supplies.
"This funding should support the president and the government's efforts to develop a wealthy Ukrainian society free from malign influence," Boris Johnson said.
There was also an agreement to work together to ensure peace, security and stability in the Black Sea region, as well as to step up cooperation on cyber defense and cybersecurity.
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said that an escalation of Russian aggression against Ukraine would be a political, humanitarian and military disaster for Russia and the world. He is convinced that it is necessary for the Russian Federation to step back and choose the path of diplomacy.
"We, together with other states, are preparing a package of sanctions and other measures that will be activated the minute a Russian soldier dares to cross the Ukrainian border and set foot on Ukrainian territory. We are doing this to demonstrate our commitment to defend Ukraine's freedom, democracy and sovereignty in the face of aggression," the head of the British government summed up.
Ukraine offered Britain to join joint mutually beneficial infrastructure and energy projects.
"We agreed to start negotiations on further liberalization of trade. In addition to funds for the Ukrainian Navy, Britain allocates about 2 billion pounds for the implementation of common with Ukraine specific and mutually beneficial projects in other areas", - said the president.
