Ukraine's Volodymyr Zelensky praises Boris Johnson as 'true friend' leaves office

Volodymyr Zelensky praised his "genuine friend" and his ally Boris Johnson, as the Prime Minister enters his final days in office.

As a sign of the esteem in which the President of Ukraine holds Mr Johnson, Mr Zelensky wrote a article in the Mail on Sunday and spoke to the Sunday Times about his gratitude to the outgoing British Prime Minister.

Either way, Mr Zelensky expressed hope for a future "close relationship" with Mr Johnson's successor, who may be in line for an invitation to visit Kyiv.

M . Zelenksy told the Sunday Timesit would be a 'priority' to invite the next prime minister, while admitting he was 'concerned' when he heard Mr Johnson was stepping down. p>

Mr. Johnson on a visit to Kyiv

Recommended Boris Johnson's own moral failings diminished all around him

"When we heard there would be a change of government, we were all worried," he told the newspaper.

"Johnson was supporting us and a lot depends on the leader. The leader is the one who communicates. The leader is the one who mediates between a country and its people, and a leader has an impact on society."

Speaking of Mr Johnson's successor, he said of the relationship: "I can only pray that he will be on the same level as I had with Prime Minister Johnson."

In the Mail on Sunday, he paid tribute to British solidarity with the country since the Russian invasion.

Mr. Zelensky also used the article to thank Foreign Secretary Liz Truss and Defense Secretary Ben Wallace, calling them "great leaders and friends of Ukraine."

"At every meeting and conversation between us, Boris had a very good question: What else? What else do you need?

I sincerely hope that Boris' legacy in this fight against Russian barbarism will be preserved.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky

"It has become our word of order, guarantor of effective progress. Believe me, few politicians are ready to do this."

Mr. Zelensky says he believes 'in the power of personal leadership'.

"I know it has not been an easy ride for Boris Johnson as he has faced many internal challenges. Donate prioritizing support for Ukraine took a lot of courage and determination."

He continues: "Last month, Ukraine celebrated the 31st anniversary of our independence.

< p>"Boris Johnson was with us again, welcomed by ordinary Ukrainians.

"We even started to call him, warmly and humorously, "Boris Johnsoniuk" - a surname Ukrainian-sounding if you emphasize the last...