Johnson promises Zelensky to "redouble efforts" to provide humanitarian aid to Ukraine

London says Russia has suffered "a similar death toll" in three months to the USSR in nine years in Afghanistan

MADRID, 23 May. (EUROPA PRESS) -

The Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Boris Johnson, has promised the President of Ukraine, Volodimir Zelenski, "to redouble efforts to provide food and humanitarian aid" to the population in the face of the Russian invasion, as well as to guarantee that the country "can export to the rest of the world".

Johnson's office has indicated that the two had a telephone conversation late on Sunday in which they agreed on "the need for the international community to remain united in condemning the barbarism of (Russian President Vladimir) Putin".

"The (British) Prime Minister has said that every country has a duty to help Ukraine in its fight for freedom, both now and in the long term," he said in his statement, before adding that Johnson highlighted "the incredible value "of Zelensky and his family "during the last few months".

Thus, he has expressed his "deep hope" that the population of Ukraine "can soon return to a normal life" and has reiterated that the British "support the people of Ukraine one thousand percent." Johnson has also detailed the "recent defensive support" sent to kyiv and the sanctions imposed against Putin and "those who support him."

For its part, the British Ministry of Defense has indicated through its account on the social network Twitter that "during the first three months of its 'special military operation', Russia has probably suffered a death toll similar to those of the Union Soviet in its nine years of war in Afghanistan"

"A combination of poor tactics, limited air cover, a lack of flexibility and a command posture prepared to reinforce failures and repeat mistakes has led to this high and continuing to rise casualty toll in the Donbas offensive. ", has explained.

"The Russian public, in the past, has been sensitive to the casualties suffered during chosen wars. As the casualties suffered in Ukraine continue to rise this situation will become more apparent and the public's discomfort with the war and their willingness to express it could increase. ", has riveted.