Boris Johnson’s future as Prime Minister of Britain hangs in the balance, but in Ukraine there are many who wish that their beloved “Johnsonyuk” will overcome this crisis and continue to support Kyiv.
Johnson has faced a rebellion within his own party, with a spate of resignations, but Ukrainians revere him as one of their staunchest supporters abroad, sending them vital supplies and anti-tank weapons to fend off a Russian invasion. In Kyiv, he is depicted in several graffiti and in a portrait exhibition. A creamy confection with added ice cream reminiscent of his unruly blonde hair is named after him – as are many Ukrainian streets.
“It’s a shame, because we need as much support as possible,” said 22-year-old actress Kateryna Chikina, one of several Kiev residents who told Reuters they did not want Johnson to leave. “We need influential politicians abroad. We don’t want to lose him because he really helps us. He’s a sweetheart,” he added.
Painter Tetiana Kropiva, 24, was creating a portrait of Johnson on a barrel-table at an outdoor bar in the capital’s Podil suburb. “As a painter, what I can say is that he has a lot of special features. It’s interesting to paint him, because he has a lot of peculiarities,” he commented.
In the Museum of History of Kyiv, two portraits of Johnson are housed in the facade, behind glass cases, which attract visitors. “It’s a magnet, because Boris Johnson is extremely popular among Ukrainians. Passers-by, when they see his portrait in the window, recognize him, go in and ask about the exhibition,” said museum employee Mykola Petrichenko. Inside the museum there are other portraits of Johnson, one of Queen Elizabeth and one of US President Joe Biden, next to paintings of Ukrainian soldiers and well-known military commanders, the “heroes” of the country.
Dmytro Usykov, 27, said Johnson will always be able to have a free drink at his bar, even if he is forced to resign. “We will serve him everything for free … because he really helped our country and is still helping us. He is the soul of Ukraine, one might say.”
SOURCE: APE-ME
Source: Capital
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