Boris Johnson addressed the Ukrainian parliament this morning, where he described the country’s resistance to Russia’s invasion as their “finest hour”, in reference to Sir Winston Churchill’s address to the House of Commons ahead of the Battle of Britain. The Prime Minister also announced further details on the additional £300 million in military support for Ukraine, as it continues to counter Vladimir Putin’s forces now massed in the east.
The UK has been at the forefront of providing vital weapons for Ukraine to defend itself and deter Russian aggression. Next-generation light anti-tank weapons have proved pivotal in pushing Russia back from areas around Kyiv. Additional support including radar systems and armoured vehicles will now be sent. It is also, perhaps not entirely coincidentally, an opportunity for Johnson to appear statesmanlike in a week of local elections, where the Conservatives are projected to perform poorly, especially in London.
With the partygate scandal showing no signs of disappearing from public view and the cost of living crisis intensifying, the Prime Minister will no doubt take well to the task of imbuing his Ukrainian counterpart, Volodymyr Zelensky, with Churchillian rhetoric.
Eid Mubarak!
Wishing a happy Eid al-Fitr to Muslims in London, the UK and around the world at the end of the month of Ramadan. After two years of Covid restrictions, we hope that this time was filled with community, family and friends. Eid Mubarak!
