LONDON — The U.K. will send an extra £54 million in military support to Ukraine, outgoing British prime minister Boris Johnson pledged during a flash trip to Kyiv.
Johnson met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in the country’s capital Wednesday, as Ukraine marked the 31st anniversary of its independence from the Soviet Union. The day also marks six months since the second invasion of Ukrainian territory by Russia.
The U.K. prime minister, who has been ousted by his own party and is due to leave office next month, took advantage of his third visit to the country to announce a new £54-million package of military aid, which will pay for 2,000 drones — including 850 hand-launched Black Hornet micro-drones — as well as anti-tank loitering munitions requested by the Ukrainian armed forces.
“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,” Johnson said.
The two leaders discussed the challenges Ukraine will face this winter, and the U.K. premier restated Britain’s “unwavering support” ahead of his planned resignation on September 6, according to a readout from Downing Street.
