Johnson backs appeal to send medical aid to ‘brave’ Ukraine

BORIS JOHNSON has launched a Christmas appeal for hospital medical supplies in Ukraine.

The former prime minister warned that without donations the war-torn country could run out of basic items, such as bandages, within weeks.

He has teamed up with Circle Health, a private surgical services provider, which has delivered medical supplies worth £3million to hospitals in Kyiv, Kharkiv, Mykolaiv, Odesa, Lviv and Kherson since the war began on Feb 24.

Mr Johnson was awarded the title of the honorary citizen of Kyiv on Thursday. Vitali Klitschko, the city’s mayor, posted on Telegram: “The Kyiv city council approved a decision to award Boris Johnson, a great friend of Ukraine, the title of honorary citizen of Kyiv.

“Boris visited the Ukrainian capital several times – both in peacetime and in the most dramatic time of our struggle against the Russian aggressor. Johnson has done and, I am sure, will continue to do everything possible so that Great Britain and world leaders provide the necessary assistance to Ukraine. We thank you for your support!”

Mr Johnson visited the Circle Health warehouse in Enfield, north London, to learn about the logistics of transporting hospital kit in bulk across Europe by lorry.

He was briefed by Ukrainian doctors helping to co-ordinate relief efforts and helped to load the latest lorry with hospital beds and anaesthesia machines.

“The Great British public are renowned for their generosity of spirit – even when times are tough at home – so I’m calling on them to dig deep this Christmas and help send hope to the heroic Ukrainian medics battling to save lives,” Mr Johnson said.

“Not one bandage or bed you fund will go to waste in the Herculean task of rebuilding beautiful, brave Ukraine. Slava Ukraini – the British people stand with you, this Christmas and always.”

Donations can be made on this website: www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/circle-healthgroup.