As the fighting continued, Boris Johnson traveled to Kyiv and sent hopeful words.

PM Johnson paid a visit to Kyiv in early February. Our frank, open discussion was reinforced immediately by the first shipments of anti-tank missiles. Those weapons would play their part in halting the advance of the seemingly endless Russian armoured columns.

Just days before the invasion, we met in Munich where we agreed common steps on further reinforcing Ukraine’s defence capabilities.

Early in the morning on the day of Russia’s invasion, Boris was among the first world leaders I had a conversation with. Later, such phone calls became regular, providing us with better co-ordination of international actions aimed at combating Russian aggression.

At each and every meeting and conversation between us, Boris had one very good question: What else? What else do you need?

It became our watchword, guaranteeing effective progress. Believe me, not many politicians are ready to do this.

Political support from the British Government has since been unwavering: financial assistance along with humanitarian aid and more weapons of a sophisticated nature. Our military training programmes have been sharpened to meet immediate needs and the number of trainees multiplied.

At the same time, widespread sanctions have nailed down the Russian economy.

The UK, along with the US, is now established as one of Ukraine’s most important allies.

But it is not only your Government: your whole nation clearly saw the unjust and cruel nature of Putin’s war. All British political parties, your media, businesses, local councils and individuals have thrown their support behind us.

The sheer number of charitable donations have put much bigger nations to shame, while thousands of caring Britons opened up their hearts and homes to allow more than a 100,000 Ukrainian women and children to find refuge in the UK. That has helped many of our soldiers to fight on without worrying about their families.

In April, as battles continued to rage and ignoring personal security concerns, your Prime Minister arrived in Kyiv again, bringing a message: You are not alone in this fight, we will back you!

Our walk on Khreshchatyk Street was a milestone in my country’s history because it showed to the world that Kyiv was alive and that we would prevail.

Last month, Ukraine celebrated the 31st anniversary of our independence. Again, Boris Johnson was with us, welcomed by ordinary Ukrainians. We even started to address him, warmly and humorously, as ‘Boris Johnsoniuk’ – a Ukrainian sounding surname if you put a stress on the last syllable – inspired by his Instagram account @borisjohnsonuk.

Our Independence Day on August 24 coincided with marking six months since the start of the war with Russia. No one can deny that these months have been the most dramatic in the recent history of Ukraine. On the scale of human suffering, it is very similar to the Nazi occupation or to Stalin’s forced famine of 1932/33 – Holodomor.

I am proud to say again that during this difficult time the UK has stood shoulder to shoulder with us, as the dearest friend and closest ally. As president, I realise that the policy and actions of the Government embody the public will.

I am impressed by the number of Ukrainian flags flying high and proudly throughout the United Kingdom to demonstrate solidarity with Ukraine and Ukrainians.

I am deeply encouraged by the unanimity and cohesion of all political parties in the British Parliament in support of Ukraine. People in the UK should know that every day of struggle for their very existence, Ukrainians are immensely grateful to your country.

But I also believe in the power of personal leadership. I know it has not been an easy ride for Boris Johnson as he had to deal with many internal challenges. Prioritising support for Ukraine demanded great courage and determination.

The Ukrainian government has also worked closely and effectively with the UK Government and Ministers at all levels in recent months.

Among them, I am most grateful to two other great leaders and friends of Ukraine – Liz Truss, the Foreign Secretary, and Ben Wallace, your Defence Secretary. They spearheaded the efforts of their respective departments and services, helping to build resilience and support for Ukraine around the globe.

In a few days, the UK will have a new Prime Minister. As Ukraine’s President, I will be happy to establish close relations with, as Boris Johnson recently said, ‘any British Prime Minister, male or female’.

I sincerely hope that Boris’s legacy in this fight against Russian barbarism will be preserved.

We will continue to fight on because we do not have any other option. It is our lives and our future at stake. And we still need the UK’s support and leadership.

We need it because we are a young, peace-loving democracy – far from perfect, but on the right track.

We need it because we made one of the most valuable contributions to global security by abandoning our huge nuclear stockpiles.

We need it because by helping Ukraine to win this war the UK is protecting the international order and the existing security balance in the European and Atlantic region.

We need it because it is vital for a free world to show dictators that any aggression will generate a strong collective response.

And, finally, we need it because making a stand against evil is simply the right thing to do.

The 19th Century Ukrainian poet, Taras Shevchenko, called upon his people to keep fighting against Russians: ‘Fight and you will prevail.’ Back then, we did not have powerful friends on our side.

This time I have no doubt that Ukraine will succeed.

That together with the UK we will make our world a safer place. And that our nations will grow even closer.

As true friends. Just like me and my friend, Boris.