Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has hailed outgoing British Prime Minister Boris Johnson as a "true friend" to Ukraine and vowed to retain close relations with the country’s new prime minister, who is expected to be named within a few days.
Writing for an article to be published on September 4 in The Mail on Sunday newspaper, Zelenskiy that "at each and every meeting and conversation between us, Boris had one very good question: What else? What else do you need?”
“It became our watchword, guaranteeing effective progress. Believe me, not many politicians are ready to do this," Zelenskiy wrote.
Zelenskiy also thanked Foreign Secretary Liz Truss and Defense Secretary Ben Wallace, calling them "great leaders and friends of Ukraine."
Britain’s Conservative Party completed its leadership election on September 2, with Truss widely expected to be named the winner to succeed Johnson, who was hit by a series of political scandals before losing a vote of confidence in Parliament.
The result of the runoff between Truss and former Finance Minister Rishi Sunak will be announced at midday on September 5.
Johnson would then formally tender his resignation to Queen Elizabeth II the following day.
"I know it has not been an easy ride for Boris Johnson as he had to deal with many internal challenges. Prioritizing support for Ukraine demanded a great courage and determination," Zelenskiy wrote.