David Cameron has assured Volodymyr Zelenskiy that Britain will support Ukraine for “however long it takes” as the new UK foreign secretary used his first overseas visit to go to Kyiv.
Ukraine’s president said he discussed the supply of weapons for forces fighting against the Russian invasion during his meeting with the former UK prime minister on the first day of a two-day trip.
In a video released by Kyiv, Mr Cameron sought to reassure Mr Zelenskiy over fears that attention has diverted from Ukraine to the war in the Middle East.
There are also concerns surrounding the prospect of Donald Trump returning to the White House and cutting off support for Ukraine.
Mr Cameron said: “We will continue to give you the moral support, the diplomatic support, the economic support, but above all the military support that you need – not just this year and next year, but for however long it takes.
“I had some disagreements with my friend Boris Johnson, we’ve known each other for 40 years, and his support for you was the finest thing that he and his governments did.”
Mr Cameron was updated on Ukraine’s slow counter-offensive against Russia and held talks on Kyiv’s aspirations to join Nato.
Writing on social media, Mr Zelenskiy said: “We had a good meeting focused on weapons for the frontline, strengthening air defence, and protecting our people and critical infrastructure.
“I am grateful to the UK for its support!”
Former prime minister Cameron became UK foreign secretary on Monday and the early visit to Ukraine was intended to demonstrate the UK’s continued support for the country.
His predecessor James Cleverly had been scheduled to make the visit before being moved to the British Home Office in Monday’s reshuffle.
