Boris Johnson announces from kyiv a new aid package for Ukraine

"While some pay bills for energy, in Ukraine it is paid in blood," he says.

MADRID, 24 Ago. (EUROPA PRESS) -

The Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Boris Johnson, has traveled this Thursday by surprise to Ukraine, from where he has announced a new package of military aid to coincide with the Ukrainian Independence Day.

"Over the last six months, the United Kingdom has been side by side with Ukraine, helping this sovereign country defend itself against this barbaric and illegal invader," said Johnson, who is confident that the Ukrainian forces can continue "fighting for freedom ".

The new British package, valued at 54 million pounds (more than 64 million euros) includes 2,000 drones for surveillance tasks and anti-tank ammunition, at the request of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, Downing Street explained in a note.

Johnson, received in kyiv by the Ukrainian president, Volodimir Zelenski, has defended international unity in the face of possible doubts due to the collateral effects that the sanctions adopted in recent months against Russia have for the European population.

"While some pay bills for energy, in Ukraine it is paid in blood", he has sentenced, in a clear message with which he has called to "endure" the crisis to counteract the "inevitable price manipulation" exercised by the Russian authorities .

"The difficulties are real, but we need to fix the underlying problems, which have to do with dependence on Russian gas," he said, according to BBC public broadcaster.

Zelenski has taken advantage of the visit to discover a plaque next to the Ukrainian Parliament and, together with Johnson, has taken a walk through the center of kyiv, amid strong security measures.