Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1477424
maltatoday | SUNDAY • 28 AUGUST 2022 14 EYEWITNESS Say it with flowers BRITISH Prime Minister Bo- ris Johnson has decided to show Britain's solidarity with Ukraine by saying it with flow- ers this week. The outgoing UK leader created an arch of sunflowers — Ukraine's national flower — outside his Downing Street office to commemorate the eastern European nation's in- dependence day on Wednes- day. The gesture also comes as Ukraine prepares to mark six months since the Russian invasion began on February 24. "We will never recognize Russia's annexation of Crimea or any other Ukrainian terri- tory," Johnson said in a video address to an international summit on the Crimean Pen- insula, which Russia seized in 2014. "In the face of (Russian President Vladimir) Putin's assault we must continue to give our Ukrainian friends all the military, humanitari- an, economic and diplomat- ic support that they need," Johnson said. Johnson has been steadfast in his support for Ukraine since the invasion began. The prime minister, who will step down early next month, sought to deflect from scan- dals and criticism at home by positioning himself as the leader of the international ef- fort to help Ukraine combat Russian aggression. Since the Russian invasion began, Johnson has pledged 2.3 billion pounds (USD 2.8 billion) of military aid to Ukraine, including armoured vehicles and anti-tank mis- siles. He has also dispatched economic support, guaran- teeing millions in World Bank loans for the country. Even 10 Downing Street's own resident cat, Larry, seems to be basking in the tranquility the flower instal- lation appears to have infused around the beleagured prime minister's office.