The news of the resignation of British Prime Minister Boris Johnson was met "with sadness" in Ukraine, President Volodymyr Zelenskiy's office said in a statement that also said Kyiv expects the support Johnson showed for Ukraine to continue.
"We have no doubt that Great Britain's support will be preserved, but your personal leadership and charisma made it special," said the statement issued on July 7 after the two leaders spoke by phone.
The statement thanked Johnson for defending Ukraine's interests after Russia's invasion and said the news of his resignation had been sad not only for Zelenskiy "but also the entire Ukrainian society, which is very sympathetic to you."
Johnson described Zelenskiy as a "hero" and said there is “unwavering cross-party” support in Britain for Ukraine, a Downing Street spokeswoman said, adding that he also pledged that defensive aid would continue for as long as needed.
“He thanked President Zelenskiy for everything he’s doing to stick up for freedom, for his friendship, and for the kindness of the Ukrainian people," the spokeswoman said.
SEE ALSO: Ukraine, Allies Adopt Principles For Reconstruction“The prime minister finished the call by praising President Zelenskiy, saying, ‘You’re a hero, everybody loves you.'”
U.S. President Joe Biden said the United States will continue its "close cooperation" with Britain, including their joint support for Ukraine against Russian aggression.
"The United Kingdom and the United States are the closest of friends and allies, and the special relationship between our people remains strong and enduring," Biden said in a statement.
Russia's ambassador to Britain said that Johnson's fall was a consequence of a "belligerent" anti-Russian policy of support for Ukraine while ignoring the economic needs of the British people and the economy.
"He concentrated too much on the geopolitical situation, on Ukraine," Ambassador Andrei Kelin told Reuters in an interview in London.
Johnson said earlier he was resigning as British prime minister amid a wave of scandals and defections by his Cabinet ministers.
Johnson appeared outside Downing Street, saying he had appointed a new Cabinet and would remain in his post until a new leader of his Conservative Party is chosen.
"It is clearly the will of the parliamentary Conservative Party that there should be a new leader of that party and therefore a new prime minister," he said.
According to the BBC, an election for the Conservative Party leadership will take place over the summer, with a formal announcement of a new prime minister by early October.
SEE ALSO: University Confirms Detention Of Polish Scientist After Iranian Report On Foreigners’ Alleged SpyingThe 58-year-old Johnson swept to power in December 2019 on a promise to sort out Britain's exit from the European Union after years of wrangling.
His resignation followed a flood of departures by Cabinet officials, many who have excoriated Johnson for a series of scandals including one involving a Conservative Party lawmaker who quit his post over accusations that he groped men in a private member's club.
Johnson was forced to apologize after it emerged that he was aware that the lawmaker had been the subject of previous sexual misconduct complaints before Johnson appointed him.
He earlier survived a no-confidence vote over a damning report into parties that were held at his official government residence and office that broke strict COVID-19 lockdown rules. He was fined by police.