Ukrainians hope embattled UK PM ‘Johnsoniuk’ will hold on

Johnson faces a growing insurgency within his own Conservative Party after a series of ministerial resignations, but Ukrainians consider him one of their most vocal supporters as he oversees vital arms and anti-tank weapons supplies , to defend against Russian aggression.

In Kyiv, he was depicted in street art and was the subject of portrait exhibitions, while a cream cake with an ice cream topping was named after him just like his unruly blond hair – as are several streets in Ukraine.

“It’s a shame because we need as much support as possible (Ukraine) as much as possible,” said actress Kateryna Chikina, 22, one of several Kyiv residents who told Reuters they did not want him to leave.

“If there are influential politicians abroad, we need them. We don’t want to lose him because he really helped us. He’s a lovely guy.”

On Wednesday, artist Tetiana Kropyva, 24, was busy painting Johnson’s portrait on a barrel used as an outdoor table at a bar in Baudil, the capital’s fashion hub.

“As a painter, I can say that his facial features are very distinctive. He is fun to draw because he has a lot of quirks,” she told Reuters.

At the Kyiv Historical Museum, two portraits of Johnson behind the glass facade help attract punters, said museum employee Mykola Petrychenko.

“It’s a marketing magnet because Boris Johnson is very popular among Ukrainians…passers-by, when they see his portrait in the window, they recognize him, they walk in and ask about the exhibition. “

Inside, more portraits of Johnson — and another of Queen Elizabeth and U.S. President Joe Biden — hang alongside Ukrainian soldiers and prominent commanders in a series depicting Ukrainian heroes.

Dmitro Usikov, 27, said he would drink for free at his bar even if Johnson was forced to step down.

“We will give him everything for free…because he really helped our country and is still helping us. The soul of Ukraine, so to speak.”