A spontaneous visit by Boris Johnson to Ukraine caused a stir on the internet. He and Ukrainian President Zelenskiy walked through Kiev.
The war in Ukraine has lasted more than a month. Despite several offers to escape, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky spent the entire time in the capital, Kiev. Now Selenski also receives state guests again. In addition to Austria’s Chancellor Karl Nehammer, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson was also invited to the war zone. A video of the two heads of state walking together went viral.
Johnson and Zelenskyj meet passersby
Johnson made a surprise trip to Ukraine on Saturday to pay a solidarity visit to the president. The two heads of government marched relaxed through Ukraine’s nearly deserted capital. A video of the walk has since been released by Selenski’s office.
The “Today” live ticker about the war in Ukraine
Under strict military guard, Johnson and Zelensky walked from Khreshchatyk Boulevard to Maidan Square. On the way there were occasional encounters with passers-by who would greet politicians and engage in conversation with them. A man who knew the two politicians told Johnson, “We need you.” The British Prime Minister replied: “Nice to meet you. We are privileged to assist you.”
A woman also presented Johnson and Zelensky with ceramic pots shaped like a rooster. The Guardian reports that the figure was created by famous Ukrainian artist and sculptor Prokop Bidasiuk. More recently, photos have circulated on the internet of a ceramic vase in the shape of a rooster that “survived” a house bombing. Since then, the rooster has been considered a symbol of resistance.
In a speech during his trip, Johnson praised Ukrainian railways and thanked their employees. “People call you ‘iron people’ here. It has to do with your job,” Johnson said, but it also reflects the mindset of Ukrainians, who have defended themselves against Russia’s “terrible aggression.”
TK time of the navigation account10.04.2022, 20:30| Act: 04/10/2022, 20:30