Ukraine says its army has taken over the entire region around the capital, while Russia has withdrawn from key towns. Addressing the Ukrainian president, the British prime minister also acknowledged “the immense suffering inflicted on civilians”, Downing Street said.
Sharing details of the conversation with Mr Zelensky, the British Prime Minister tweeted: “Tonight I spoke to President @ZelenskyyUa. I commended its brave armed forces for repelling the invading Russian army, but I recognize the enormous challenges they face and the terrible suffering inflicted on Ukrainian civilians.
“The UK will continue to step up its military, economic and diplomatic support, including further tightening sanctions to increase economic pressure on Putin’s war machine while Russian troops remain in Ukrainian territory.”
Mr Johnson also briefed Mr Zelensky on a recent military donor conference convened by the UK with 35 countries.
Writing on Twitter, Mr Zelensky described the UK as a “powerful ally” and added: “We are looking forward to the donors’ conference for Ukraine”.
Among the areas abandoned by Russia around the capital are the airport of Hostomel, as well as the main battlefield towns around the capital of Irpin and Bucha.
As Moscow’s forces retreat, evidence of civilian killings mounts. In Bucha, a street was found with at least 20 corpses of men in civilian clothes.
The two leaders agreed on the importance of “continuing to tighten sanctions to increase economic pressure” on Russian President Vladimir Putin, as long as Russian troops remain on Ukrainian territory.
Mr Johnson also briefed Mr Zelensky on progress at a military donor conference and “committed to continuing to build defensive support”, the spokesman added.
Ukraine’s deputy defense minister said on Saturday that the Kyiv region had been “liberated” from Russian forces.
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Source: www.express.co.uk
This notice was published: 2022-04-03 00:05:28
