Ukraine: David Cameron meets Volodymyr Zelensky in Kyiv for his first overseas visit as foreign secretary

David Cameron was appointed as foreign secretary earlier this week and has now visited Ukraine for the first time in the role

Newly-appointed foreign secretary David Cameron has visited Ukraine for talks with Volodymyr Zelensky.

Ukraine’s president said the pair discussed the supply of weapons for his forces fighting against the Russian invasion when they met in Kyiv on Thursday morning.

Former prime minister Lord Cameron was appointed as foreign secretary in a surprise move earlier this week, following the departure of Suella Braverman.

Ukraine's president Volodymyr Zelensky (left) and foreign secretary David Cameron talking ahead of their meeting in Kyiv. Picture: AFP via Getty Images

"This is very important, especially now, when the world is paying attention not only to the situation on the battlefield in Ukraine and dividing the focus really does not help," Mr Zelensky said, referring to the conflict between Israel and Hamas.

"We are grateful for the unwavering support of Ukraine from the United Kingdom. We are grateful for the warm welcome of Ukrainian citizens in the UK. And we are glad that you came to Ukraine.”

Then-prime minister Boris Johnson was one of the first Western leaders to visit Kyiv after war broke out, where he was hailed a hero for his support of Mr Zelensky. He enjoyed a high level of popularity in the country - which has dubbed him “Borys Johnsoniuk” in an affectionate “Ukrainianisation” of his name and where he was made an honorary citizen of the city of Odesa.

Mr Zelensky posted a short clip of the meeting to social media, during which Lord Cameron can be heard saying he "wanted this to be my first visit."

Former Prime Minister David Cameron returned to the cabinet this week for the first time in more than seven years after being made the new Foreign Secretary following Suella Braverman's sacking.

"What I want to say by being here is that we will continue to give you the moral support, the diplomatic support and the economic support and above all the military support that you need not just this year and next year but however long as it takes," he added.

Lord Cameron added: "I've had some disagreements with Boris Johnson, we've known each other for 40 years, but his support for you was the finest thing he and his government did."