As Boris Johnson’s term as British prime minister hangs by a thread, Ukrainians are hoping for the man whom some have come to affectionately call “Boris Johnson”.
Johnson faces a growing rebellion within his own Conservative Party following his resignation as minister, but the Ukrainians call him their most vocal supporter of overseeing the vital supplies of weapons and anti-tank weapons to stop the Russian invasion. as one of the.
In Kyiv, she is featured in street art and the subject of a portrait exhibition, while a creamy cake with an ice cream topping that resembles her unruly blonde hair bears her name – as is the case on many Ukrainian streets.
“It’s a shame because we (Ukraine) as much as possible,” said actress Katerina Chikina, 22, one of several Kyiv residents who told Reuters they didn’t want her to go.
“If there are influential politicians abroad, we need them. We don’t want to lose him because he really helps us. He’s a cute. ,
Artist Tatiana Kropaiva, 24-year-old, engaged herself in a bar in the capital’s hipster hub Podil on Wednesday by painting Johnson’s likeness on a barrel serving as an outdoor table.
“As a painter, I can say that he has very distinctive facial features. He is interesting to paint because he has many quirks,” she told Reuters.
Museum employee Mykola Petrichenko said that at the History Museum of Kyiv, two of Johnson’s drawings behind the glass façade helped bring punters in.
“It’s kind of a marketing magnet because Boris Johnson is hugely popular among Ukrainians … passersby, when they see his portrait in the window, they recognize him and they come in and ask about the exhibition. “
Inside, more portraits of Johnson – as well as another of Queen Elizabeth and US President Joe Biden – hang side-by-side in a series depicting Ukrainian heroes alongside Ukrainian soldiers and famous commanders.
Dmitry Usikov, 27, said Johnson would drink free drinks at his bar even if forced by power.
We will give everything to them for free… because they really helped our country and are still helping us. The soul of Ukraine, one might say.”