Ukraine expects UK support to continue despite Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s resignation, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy’s office says, as he thanked Johnson for defending Ukraine’s interests after the Russian invasion.

“We have all heard this news (of Johnson’s resignation) with sadness. Not only me, but also the entire Ukrainian society, which is very sympathetic to you,” Zelenskiy’s office said in a statement after the two leaders spoke by phone.

“We have no doubt that Britain’s support will continue, but your personal leadership and charisma made it special.”

Johnson visited Kiev twice after the Russian invasion of February 24.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba described him as a “true friend of Ukraine” in comments his ministry sent to Reuters.

“He (Johnson) was among the first world leaders to not only unequivocally condemn Russia’s brutal invasion of Ukraine, but also make some crucial decisions to help Ukraine defend itself and ultimately win this war in the future,” Kuleba said. .

Johnson wore a pin with the British and Ukrainian flags as he announced his resignation.

with AP