Putin congratulates new UK premier

By Elena Teslova

MOSCOW (AA) - Russia's president sent a congratulatory message on Wednesday to U.K.'s new Prime Minister Boris Johnson for his election to the post.

Both Russia and the U.K. would benefit from the development of relations in the various areas, Vladimir Putin said in a message to Johnson, published on the presidential website.

Earlier today, Johnson assumed office as new U.K. premier.

Johnson is known as a hardline Brexit supporter, and in seeking the prime minister’s chair, has repeatedly said he would ensure the U.K. leaves the EU on Oct. 31 with or without a deal.