Johnson UK Prime Minister "The West Must Continue Supplying Weapons to Ukraine"

Published 21 Apr.2022 08:57(KST)

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyunjung] British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said that the West must continuously supply the weapons necessary to stop Russia's offensive on Kyiv, Ukraine.

According to the Financial Times (FT) on the 20th (local time), Johnson mentioned the breakdown of peace talks between Ukraine and Russia while on a plane to India to meet Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying, "How can you negotiate with a crocodile biting your leg?"

Johnson said that President Volodymyr Zelensky, whom he met in Kyiv last month, decided to drive Russian forces out of the eastern region but holds a different view regarding the Crimean Peninsula. He also revealed that the UK is currently training Ukrainians using air defense systems in Poland.

A senior US Department of Defense official said on the same day that with parts support from the US and its allies, Ukraine was able to secure an additional 20 fighter jets, adding firepower to Kyiv's air force to defend against Russian attacks.

Western support for aircraft parts is interpreted as an example of the US and its allies increasing the possibility of arms support to Ukraine. Last week, US President Joe Biden announced an additional $800 million support plan for Ukraine, and another $800 million aid plan is expected to be announced this week.