On Tuesday, February 1, the meeting of President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Prime Minister of the United Kingdom was held. After the meeting, Zelensky and Johnson made a joint statement.
The briefing was broadcasted on the air of the channel "Ukraine 24".
The Prime Minister emphasized the United Kingdom’s unwavering commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders. The United Kingdom stands shoulder to shoulder with Ukraine in the face of ongoing Russian aggression, which threatens regional peace and security and undermines the global order. The two leaders emphasized that it is the right of every Ukrainian to determine their own future.
The leaders warned that any further Russian incursion in Ukraine would be a massive strategic mistake and have a stark humanitarian cost.
Ukraine and the United Kingdom agreed to work together to strengthen Ukraine’s security and the ability to defend itself. The leaders also expressed their commitment to strengthen Ukraine’s energy security and support its efforts towards the green transition. The Prime Minister announced £88 million of new funding to aid efforts to build Ukraine’s resilience and reduce reliance on Russian energy supplies.
The leaders reaffirmed their desire to deepen the strategic partnership between Ukraine and the UK in all areas of mutual interest, and to continue their engagement, particularly in the framework of the Ukraine-UK Strategic Dialogue.
Additionally, Ukraine invited the United Kingdom to join common mutually beneficial projects in the fields of infrastructure and energy. This was stated by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during a meeting with media representatives following talks with Prime Minister of the United Kingdom Boris Johnson in Kyiv.
The President noted that the Agreement on Political Cooperation, Free Trade and Strategic Partnership signed the year before last is working successfully, which is proved by a 60% increase in bilateral trade between Ukraine and the United Kingdom.
"We strive to expand partnership in all areas. We agreed to start negotiations on further trade liberalization. In addition to funds for the Ukrainian Navy, the United Kingdom is allocating almost 2 billion pounds for the implementation of joint specific and mutually beneficial projects with Ukraine in other areas," said the President.
In particular, according to him, the United Kingdom was invited to joint projects in the fields of infrastructure and energy.
The Head of State noted that 30 years ago Ukraine and Great Britain established diplomatic relations, which have always been full of friendship, respect, and content.
"And today our nations are united for the sake of peace in Ukraine, Europe and the world, in order to prevent a new war," said Volodymyr Zelenskyy, expressing hope that this year the word of the year will be "peace."
For his part, the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom announced the allocation of an additional 88 million pounds of funding to support the stability and energy independence of Ukraine.
"This funding is to support the efforts of the President and the authorities to build a prosperous Ukrainian society free from malicious influence," said Boris Johnson.
Earlier we wrote that British Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced his readiness to impose new sanctions against the Russian Federation.