Ukrainian MP calls on Boris Johnson successor to ‘do more’ for Kyiv in war against Russia

Lesia Vasylenko said the British PM had set a ‘high benchmark’ but support from London was more vital than ever for Ukraine’s war against Russia

Boris Johnson and Volodymyr Zelensky in Kyiv in June (EPA)

A prominent Ukrainian opposition MP has called on the next UK prime minister to “do more” for Kyiv than Boris Johnson, as the British leader’s premiership looked close to ending in disgrace and the appointment of a new PM imminent.

Mr Johnson has been a vocal ally of Ukraine since its invasion by Russia in February and has visited President Zelensky in Kyiv on two occasions. His last visit came in June when he pledged British training for Ukrainian forces.

The Ukrainian president has called Mr Johnson “our country’s great friend”, and there are fears in Kyiv that once he is gone, the next British leader will be less enthusiastic about the war in Ukraine at a time when the UK faces many of its own severe challenges, from a faltering economy to a deepening cost of living crisis.