Putin's 'barbaric actions' test all humanity, says UK premier

By Ahmet Gurhan Kartal

LONDON (AA) - Russian President Vladimir Putin’s “barbaric actions” are “testing not just Ukraine but all of humanity,” British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Sunday.

His remarks came during a phone call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, according to a government statement.

Johnson and Zelenskyy “condemned the murders of (American journalist) Brent Reynaud and countless innocent Ukrainians, and the abduction of the Mayors of Dniprorudne and Melitopol.”

The British prime minister also said: “The UK would continue to pursue more options for bolstering Ukraine’s self-defence, working with partners including at Tuesday’s meeting of the Joint Expeditionary Force in London.”

The UK would “continue to stand behind Ukraine in all their efforts to bring an end to this disastrous conflict,” Johnson added.

Since Russia launched its war on Ukraine on Feb. 24, more than 2.5 million people have fled to other countries, with some 2 million more displaced within the country.

At least 579 civilians have also been killed and 1,002 injured in Ukraine, according to UN estimates.

While the EU, US, and others have imposed sanctions on Moscow, many companies and global brands have also suspended operations in Russia.