British Prime Minister Boris Johnson made a point of going to kyiv to assure Volodymyr Zelensky of his support, and to promise him the rapid dispatch of weapons so that Ukrainian soldiers can resist the probable massive attack by Russia in the Donbas. An international collection has, for its part, made it possible to raise 10.1 billion euros to come to the aid of refugees.
Boris Johnson visits Kyiv
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson paid a surprise visit to Volodymyr Zelensky on Saturday April 9. After a walk under close surveillance in the streets of kyiv, Boris Johnson paid tribute to the Ukrainian army, which he described as “the greatest feat of arms of the 21st century”. He promised to respond to Ukraine’s call by pledging to provide it with armored vehicles and anti-ship missiles, in order to counter “Vladimir Putin’s monstrous designs”.
The Ukrainian president for his part called on Western countries to follow the example of the United Kingdom. London, at the forefront of condemnations of the Kremlin’s policy, provided the Ukrainian army with precious anti-tank weapons from the start of the conflict and did not hesitate to sanction the Russian oligarchs, who are very present on its soil.
A collection of 10 billion euros to help refugees
An international collection organized by the European Union, Canada and the international organization Global Citizen has raised 10.1 billion euros. The objective is to be able to finance aid dedicated to Ukrainian displaced persons and refugees.
The High Commission for Refugees has also indicated that more than 4.4 million people have fled Ukraine since the start of the Russian invasion on February 24. Inside the country, the number of displaced persons stands at 7.1 million.
Kramatorsk evacuation continues
Two days after the massacre at Kramatorsk station in eastern Ukraine, where 52 civilians, including five children, were killed in a strike attributed to a Russian missile, the evacuation of the population resumed. This Sunday, April 10, the Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister, Iryna Vereshchuk, indicated that 4,532 civilians had been evacuated. Most of the displaced come from the Zaporizhia region, but also 200 have managed to get out of the besieged city of Mariupol.
Ukraine says it is ready for “the big battle”…
Ukraine has said it is ready to fight a “big battle” in the east of its territory, a priority target for Moscow, where the evacuation of civilians continues in fear of an imminent offensive. “Ukraine is ready for the big battles. It must win them, including in the Donbass”, a region in the east of the country, said Ukrainian presidential adviser Mykhaïlo Podoliak. Volodymyr Zelensky also wanted to recall on Friday April 8 that his country was always ready to find a diplomatic solution.
… and exchange prisoners with Russia
Ukraine announced on Saturday that it had carried out a new prisoner exchange with Russia, allowing the release of 12 Ukrainian soldiers and 14 civilians. “Twelve of our soldiers, including a female officer, are returning home. We have also released 14 civilians, including nine women, making a total of 26 people,” Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister Iryna Vereshchuk wrote on Telegram. She did not specify the number of Russians exchanged for these Ukrainians.