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Polish deputy FM says UK support for Ukraine will continue under new PM

08.07.2022 12:45
Polish Deputy Foreign Minister Marcin Przydacz has said he believes Britain will maintain its policy of strong support for Ukraine despite the resignation of Prime Minister Boris Johnson.  
Marcin Przydacz.
Marcin Przydacz.PAP/Piotr Nowak

Przydacz told public broadcaster Polish Radio on Friday that Poland and Britain would continue to work together in helping Ukraine defend itself against Russia's invasion.

“We are confident that the cooperation will be good,” Przydacz said.

UK policy on Ukraine 'will be maintained'

He added that he held talks in London with politicians from Britain's ruling Conservative Party "and with left-wing circles" in the lead-up to Johnson’s resignation.

“Everyone told me that whoever becomes the new British prime minister, the country's eastern policy, its security policy, will be maintained,” he said. 

"Such is the wish of Britain’s entire political class and the majority of the public," Przydacz told Polish Radio.

He noted that some 700 UK troops were stationed in Poland, with Britain helping strengthen Poland’s air defences.

“The British are second behind the United States and just ahead of Poland when it comes to sending military equipment to Ukraine,” he added.

'United approach to supporting people of Ukraine': Biden

Meanwhile, US President Joe Biden issued a statement following Johnson’s resignation on Thursday, emphasising that “the special relationship” between America and Britain “remains strong and enduring.”

Biden said: “I look forward to continuing our close cooperation with the government of the United Kingdom, as well as our Allies and partners around the world, on a range of important priorities. That includes maintaining a strong and united approach to supporting the people of Ukraine as they defend themselves against Putin's brutal war on their democracy, and holding Russia accountable for its actions." 

Zelensky thanks Johnson

Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky has thanked Johnson for taking "decisive action" to help his war-torn country.

"Not only me, but also all of Ukrainian society which sympathises with you a lot," Zelensky said to Johnson in a phone call on Thursday, according to news reports.

"We have no doubt that Great Britain's support will continue, but your personal leadership and charisma made it special," Zelensky added.

Johnson announced on Thursday he would step down as Britain's prime minister, bowing to calls from ministerial colleagues and lawmakers in his Conservative Party, the Reuters news agency reported.

He added he would remain in office until a new prime minister is elected.

(pm/gs)

Source: IAR, PAP, abcnews.combbc.com