Outgoing UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson says that households across the UK and Europe have to endure the cost-of-living crisis to counter Russian aggression against Ukraine.
During a visit to the capital Kyiv to mark the country’s independence day, Johnson said the West must “stay the course” on Ukraine despite rising living costs, driven by the war.
He said while energy bills were high “the people of Ukraine are paying in their blood” for Russia’s “evils”.
He has also announced a further £54m military support package for Ukraine
BBC reports: A close ally of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Mr Johnson was making his third visit to Ukraine since Russia invaded six months ago.
He claimed Western unity on Ukraine was “growing” despite reports of waning support among European countries as rising energy prices cripple the global economy.
In the UK, the inflation rate is forecast to hit a 42-year high of 13.3% this year, while the economy is expected to shrink for more than a year.
The Bank of England said the main reason for high inflation and low growth was rising energy bills, fuelled by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
European countries have accused Russia – a major global supplier of energy – of using gas as a weapon by limiting supplies in response to sanctions.
Mr Johnson acknowledged Western countries had paid a heavy price, including the UK, where Russian President Vladimir Putin’s “ruinous war” had sent energy bills skyrocketing.
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