'Extraordinary': Surreal video of Zelensky and Boris Johnson walking through Kyiv

People are stunned by a video of Ukraine's president Volodymyr Zelensky and UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson walking through Kyiv.

Just over a month ago, Ukraine's capital was under siege, with Russian forces attacking Kyiv.

While the war is still raging in Ukraine, Russian forces have retreated from in and around the capital, making it safe enough for the UK's prime minister to visit.

On Saturday, Mr Johnson made a surprise visit to Ukraine, where he met with his "friend" Mr Zelensky.

In a video shared by Ukraine's government on Twitter, Mr Johnson and Mr Zelensky are seen walking the streets of Kyiv, with an armoured guard.

"Because they bloody can," the government said.

The soldiers around the world leaders are carrying guns, while the men chat amicably.

It was a sight that left many in awe, many praising Mr Johnson, a leader who has been on the receiving end of endless criticism for his handling of the Covid pandemic.

Several pointed out Mr Johnson appeared frightened at times during the walk.

"[He looks] so scared," one person remarked.

"Scared s***less,' another said.

"That was strangely moving..." one person said in response to the video.

"Pretty extraordinary," another said.

"The Russians should have captured this city weeks ago," one person said, with others speculating the great lengths authorities had gone to to ensure a safe public event.

"The fact that Zelensky and Boris can walk around with a TV crew is thanks to the bravery of Ukrainian forces and the equipment provided by the UK," one person said.

Yet others rejected such remarks, pointing out Russian troops had now retreated from the capital.

But one asked how they could be so "carefree" with the history of Russia's "bloodthirsty" missile strikes.

Mr Johnson also shared snippets of his stroll with Mr Zelensky to his Twitter.

In a voice-over, Mr Johnson said he had been able to see "quite a lot" of "beautiful" Ukraine.

• 'KILL THEM ALL': Radio orders for Russian soldiers intercepted

• Heartbreaking detail in gruesome photo from Ukraine massacre

• Heartbreaking story behind writing on Ukrainian toddler's back

"It's an amazing country," he said.

"I've also seen the tragic effects of the war — an inexcusable war, an absolute inexcusable and unnecessary war."

He said he had "no doubt" that an independent and sovereign Ukraine will "rise again" with Mr Zelensky's leadership and those around him.

Mr Johnson thanked the people of Ukraine for their courage and heroism.

UK's financial pledge to Ukraine

His surprise visit included a pledge of new military assistance, including 120 armoured vehicles and new anti-ship missile systems.

This came a day after he promised to send an additional of high-grade military equipment to Ukraine, saying Britain wanted to help Ukraine defend itself against Russian aggression.

Mr Johnson also confirmed further economic support, guaranteeing an additional $500 million in World Bank lending to Ukraine, taking Britain’s total loan guarantee to up to $1 billion.

As Mr Zelensky makes a continuous round of virtual appearances to drum up support from lawmakers around the world, an increasing number of European leaders have decided the time is right to travel to Ukraine’s capital, Kyiv, for in-person talks.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen was in Kyiv on Friday, following earlier visits from the Czech, Polish and Slovenian prime ministers.

Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer met with Zelenskyy earlier Saturday and pledged that the EU would continue to ratchet up sanctions against Russia “until the war stops.”

“As long as people are dying, every sanction is still insufficient,” he said, adding that Austrian embassy staff will return to Kyiv from western Ukraine.

With Associated Press

Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com.

You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and Twitter and download the Yahoo News app from the App Store or Google Play.