Your people have the lion's heart, Boris tells Ukrainian parliament

BORIS JOHNSON today hailed Ukraine for the “greatest feat of arms of the 21st century" by forcing the Russian army to retreat from the "gates of Kyiv".

- Nicholas Cecil

In a powerful speech to Ukraine's parliament, the Prime Minister was set to heap praise on the “unconquerable strength and courage" of Ukrainians who fought back against Vladimir Putin's barbaric invasion.

"The Ukrainian people have the lion's heart. President Zelensky is delivering the roar, and we your friends will sharpen your fangs and claws,” he was expected to say as he announced Britain would supply a further £300 million military package to Kyiv.

As Mr Putin intensifies his attacks in the Donbas region, Mr Johnson was to add on day 69 of the war: “I think of the steel and valour of your armed forces, doggedly defending every town, village and field."

He also tore into the Russian president's "historic folly" of invading Ukraine, mistakenly believing his troops would be welcomed as liberators.

He was set to add: “Ukrainians proved by their tenacity and sacrifice that tanks and guns cannot suppress a nation fighting for its independence.”