'Main Ally'...Johnson Receives Honorary Citizen of Odesa

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson was granted the honorary citizenship of Odesa Oblast in Ukraine, Mayor Gennadiy Trukhanov announced on Friday.

Speaking to BBC, Trukhanov pointed out that the City Council observed the immense contribution of Britain to help Ukraine fight in the Russian war.

Taking to Telegram, Major Trukhanov informed that he signed the decree on July 1 making Johnson an honorary citizen of the Odesa City.

"We highly appreciate the help of your country, your prime minister," Trukhanov told BBC.

"That is why I signed the order on awarding Boris Johnson with the Order of Honour named after Hryhoriy Marazil of the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd degrees," he added.

Trukhanov affirmed that Britain emerged as the "main ally and friend" of Ukraine in the ongoing war. He claimed that the Ukrainians "would have defeated the invaders a long time ago" if the entire global community had shown the same solidarity with Kyiv as the people of Britain.

He emphasized that the "fight" against Russian aggression was equivalent to pushing back against a "fascism version 2.0," in which the UK PM will become the first honorary citizen- a subject of Great Britain, during the entire existence of the award since 1862, Ukrinform reported, citing the mayor.

The honorary came after Johnson became the first European leader to visit Ukraine twice amid the Russian invasion. In addition, he also invited Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to Britain.

Speaking at the NATO's Madrid Summit on June 30, Johnson vowed to support Kyiv "no matter how difficult it is." The Prime Minister indicated that it is "quite logical" to continue to strengthen military support as Ukrainian troops have displayed strong defence in the "unjust" war waged by Russia's President Vladimir Putin.