Zelensky, Johnson coordinate steps to de-escalate situation around Ukraine

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky and Prime Minister of the United Kingdom Boris Johnson discussed energy security issues and coordinated steps to de-escalate the situation around Ukraine.

“I had a good talk with Boris Johnson. Energy security issues were discussed. We coordinated next steps to de-escalate the situation around Ukraine and peaceful settlement in Donbas. I appreciate the firm and unwavering United Kingdom’s support for sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine,” Zelensky posted on Twitter.

According to the President’s Office, Zelensky briefed Johnson on the security situation around Ukraine and recent initiatives of Kyiv regarding peaceful settlement, in particular within the Trilateral Contact Group.

"We appreciate the leadership of the United Kingdom, in particular as part of its G7 presidency, in the formation of a single coordinated response of Western partners to the actions of Russia," the President said.

The two leaders discussed energy security. They expressed a common position on the inadmissibility of using the Nord Stream 2 project as a weapon.

When discussing Ukraine's cooperation with NATO, Zelensky and Johnson stated a common approach that no third country can block Ukraine's Euro-Atlantic integration.

The leaders praised the bilateral cooperation on the development of Ukraine's defense capabilities and the strengthening of the Ukrainian fleet.

The parties also noted a significant increase in bilateral trade since the entry into force of the Political, Free Trade and Strategic Partnership Agreement between Ukraine and the United Kingdom, as well as prospects for major infrastructure projects.

Zelensky and Johnson exchanged views on further steps and political dialogue at the highest level. The President renewed his invitation to Johnson to visit Ukraine next year.

As reported, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky discussed bilateral cooperation with Prime Minister of the United Kingdom Boris Johnson in a number of areas at a meeting in New York on September 23.

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