Liz Truss promises Ukrainian president will be first world leader she calls if she wins

The Foreign Secretary, who is the current favorite to succeed Boris Johnson, said her first call would be to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky if she wins the race for #10

Foreign Minister vows to be Ukraine's 'greatest friend' if she wins race for 10th place

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky will be the first world leader Liz Truss calls upon if she wins the leadership race, the aspiring prime minister says.

The Foreign Secretary, currently favorite to succeed Boris Johnson at No10, says she will be the war-torn country's 'greatest friend' if she becomes prime minister.

Last night she bowed to opposition pressure and said she would update the integrated defense and security review in light of the conflict in Ukraine.

Ms Truss said: "What is happening in Ukraine concerns us all. It is not just a battle for territory or a conflict between two nations, but a great struggle between those who believe in sovereignty and freedom. self-determination, and authoritarians who want to crush freedom and true democracy.

"As Prime Minister, I will be Ukraine's greatest friend - following in the footsteps of Boris Johnson - and I will be totally committed to ensuring that (Russian President Vladimir) Putin fails in Ukraine and suffer a strategic defeat, and let Russia be constrained in the future.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Kyiv earlier this year (

Picture:

UKRAINIAN PRESIDENCY/AFP via Getty)

"This conflict hangs in the balance, and now is not the time to shout about concessions and compromises to a terrible dictator.

“Working with our Western partners, we must continue to provide arms, aid and diplomatic support in accordance with the terms of Article 51 of the United Nations Charter.

“I am the candidate the British can trust for Ukraine, a...