World News | UK shows Ukrainian solidarity with sunflower display

LONDON, Aug. 24 (AP) Prime Minister Boris Johnson decided to use flowers to show Britain’s solidarity with Ukraine on Tuesday.

The outgoing British leader created an arch of sunflowers – Ukraine’s national flower – outside his Downing Street office on Wednesday to mark the Eastern European country’s Independence Day. The gesture also comes as Ukraine prepares to mark six months after Russia’s invasion began on February 24.

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“We will never recognize Russia’s annexation of Crimea or any other Ukrainian territory,” Johnson said in a video address to an international summit on the Crimea Peninsula, which Russia occupied in 2014.

“In the face of (Russian President Vladimir) Putin’s attack, we must continue to provide our Ukrainian friends with all the military, humanitarian, economic and diplomatic support they need,” Johnson said.

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Johnson has been a staunch supporter of Ukraine since the invasion began. The prime minister, who will step down early next month, has sought to deflect scandal and criticism at home by positioning himself as the leader of an international effort to help Ukraine fight Russian aggression.

Since the start of the Russian invasion, Johnson has pledged 2.3 billion pounds ($2.8 billion) in military aid to Ukraine, including armoured vehicles and anti-tank missiles. He also dispatched economic support, providing millions in World Bank loans to the country. (Associated Press)

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