UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson made a surprise visit to Kyiv on Wednesday, using the opportunity to announce a new military aid package for Ukraine while telling President Volodymyr Zelenskyy that his country "can and will win the war."

Johnson, who is set to step down as UK leader next month, was making his fourth trip to Ukraine this year as the country celebrated 31 years of independence from the Soviet Union. 

The leader, whom Zelenskyy described as his "dear friend Boris," said it was vital that Europe keep up its military and economic support for Ukraine even as the spiraling cost of living crisis continues to hit consumers.

"If we're paying our energy bills for the evils of Vladimir Putin, the people of Ukraine are paying in their blood," Johnson said.

"And that's why we know we must stay the course. Because if Putin were to succeed, then no country on Russia's perimeter would be safe."

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Johnson also outlined the UK's next £54 million ($63.6m) military support package for Ukraine, which includes unmanned surveillance drones and anti-tank munitions requested by the country's armed forces.

"This package of unmanned air systems will be a step up in Ukrainian's current capability, improving their long-range surveillance and defensive targeting ability," Johnson said. 

In his final visit to the country before leaving Downing Street, Ukraine offered Johnson Ukraine's highest award for foreign nationals, The Order of Liberty.

"What happens in Ukraine matters to us all, which is why I am here today to deliver the message that the United Kingdom is with you and will be with you for the days and months ahead, and you can and will win," said the UK leader. 

Johnson absent during energy crisis

While Johnson was being lauded in Ukraine, having been among the country's most vocal backers during the conflict, at home, he is once again under fire after he chose to spend many of his final days in office on holiday.

The leader had only returned from a week away at a Slovenian spa last Sunday when he was then spotted taking a beach break on a Greek island, and that followed his marriage celebrations at the start of the month.

Johnson's travel plans have caused anger among Britons, many of whom are suffering from a cost-of-living crisis that the outgoing leader had vowed to help alleviate before leaving office. 

As energy prices continue to skyrocket around Europe amid the Ukraine crisis, the prime minister also rejected calls to offer more help for those most in need in the UK, insisting it was a matter for the incoming prime minister.

The UK's main opposition Labour Party warned on Wednesday that the conflict could force a further £1,000 ($1,182) spike in household bills this autumn.

Labour leader Keir Starmer suggested that Johnson should fill the UK's energy gap by relaxing planning laws on onshore wind farms to boost Briton's energy mix, a suggestion that Johnson dismissed, describing Starmer as "absolutely out of his mind."

Video editor: Butchy Davy