Johnson condemned Russia for using “barbaric” tactics against Ukrainian civilians. He also pledged that Britain would do more to help the rapidly escalating number of Ukrainian refugees fleeing the conflict. Britain, he said, would ease restrictions on family members of British and Ukrainian citizens residing in the United Kingdom. This change is still much less than what other European countries are proposing.
But the highlight of the press conference came when Daria Kalenyuk, executive director of the Center for Combating Corruption, a Ukrainian advocacy organization, made a passionate address.
“You are coming to Poland. “You will not come to Kyiv … because you are afraid,” she said.
She also suggested that Britain could do more to target Russian oligarchs who call London – sometimes called “London” – home.
“You are talking about more sanctions, Prime Minister. But Roman Abramovich has not been sanctioned. He is in London. His children are not in the bombing. His children are there, in London, “Kalenyuk said. Johnson promised to impose measures against “dirty money” in Britain, and the British government froze assets and banned the travel of a handful of prominent Russian oligarchs.
In an emotional plea, the Kyiv-based activist asked Johnson to think about women and children who fear for their lives, and called on NATO allies to support a no-fly zone.
“Ukrainian women and Ukrainian children are deeply afraid of bombs and rockets flying from the sky. The Ukrainian people desperately want the rights to protect our skies. We want a no-fly zone, “she said.
Johnson, who seemed shaken by the exchange, rejected the introduction of a no-fly zone over Ukraine.
“I just want to say that I am well aware that we cannot do enough, like the UK government, to help in the way you want. I have to be honest about that, “he said. Referring to the no-fly zone, he said: “Unfortunately, this means that the United Kingdom will take part in the downing of Russian planes, taking part in a direct battle with Russia. That’s not something we can do or anticipate. “