UK PM Johnson speaks to Zelenskyy, discusses standoff in Donbass, defence package & more

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Monday held a telephonic conversation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy wherein two leers discussed ongoing standoff between Russia and Ukraine in Donetsk and Luhansk regions. During telephonic conversation with Boris Johnson, Zelenskyy raised issue of intensifying work on security guarantees and working on measures to unblock Ukrainian ports to mitigate food crisis. It is pertinent to mention that aforementioned talks happened ahe of Boris Johnson's -confidence vote. 

In telephonic conversation, Boris Johnson informed Zelenskyy about latest defence support anunced by UK for Ukraine. Johnson reiterated that UK will continue to support Ukraine and extended his condolences to all Ukrainian families who lost ir loved ones, UK government anunced in a news release. During talks, both sides also discussed diplomatic negotiations and efforts to end Russian blocke of Ukraine's grain exports. Both Zelenskyy and Johnson agreed to continue working with or allies, including G7 leers to make efforts for ending Russia’s invasion and supporting Ukraine’s ecomy. 

Boris Johnson even offered his commiserations to Ukrainian national football team on being kcked out of World Cup qualifiers. Taking to Twitter, Johnson wrote, "It's clear Ukrainian people will t bow to Russian brutality. We're unwavering in our mission of ensuring Ukraine is defended and supported for long-term." It is to mention here that UK continues to provide military and humanitarian assistance to Ukraine since Russia began its offensive on February 24. tably, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson is set to face a -confidence vote on June 6. Graham Bry, chair of 1922 Committee that represents backbench Tories, has anunced that voting will take place between 6 pm and 8 pm (local time) and n counting of votes will take place "immediately" afterwards,  Guardian reported.

UK to send multiple-launch rocket systems (MLRS) to Ukraine

UK Defence Secretary Ben Wallace has anunced to send multiple-launch rocket systems (MLRS) to Ukraine. M270 weapon system can hit target up to 80km away. In dition, British government will also deliver M31A1 munitions at scale. Ben Wallace stressed that UK’s decision has been coordinated with decision of United States to deliver High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) variant of MLRS to Ukraine. decision of Wallace comes in response to request of Ukrainian forces for long-range precision weapons. According to press release issued by UK Defence Ministry, Ukrainian troops will be trained in United Kingdom on how to use launchers to increase effectiveness of systems.

Im: AP