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Boris Johnson was Kyiv’s darling. Now that he’s leaving, Ukraine fears what’s next

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Boris Johnson was Kyiv’s darling. Now that he’s leaving, Ukraine fears what’s next

In Kyiv, it was met with despair.

With the entire Western world united behind it, Ukraine has no scarcity of supporters. However Johnson was seen as a particular ally in Kyiv. In early April, he grew to become one of many first international leaders to make the precarious journey to the Ukrainian capital, then returned on one other shock go to final month.

“All of us heard this information with unhappiness. Not solely me, but in addition your entire Ukrainian society,” Zelensky advised Johnson in a cellphone name on Thursday, based on his workplace. “We’ve got little question that Nice Britain’s help will likely be preserved, however your private management and charisma made it particular,” Zelensky added.

Kristine Berzina, senior safety and protection coverage fellow on the German Marshall Fund of the USA, mentioned that in addition to the UK’s army help, Johnson’s persona has performed a giant position in the way in which Ukrainians see him.

“The loudness and brashness of Johnson’s help for Ukraine’s combat … stands in stark distinction to the understated help given by Germany’s Chancellor (Olaf) Scholz. Right here was a frontrunner of a serious European energy, a nuclear energy, not afraid to again Ukraine and name Russia out,” she advised CNN in an electronic mail.

Whereas French President Emmanuel Macron has confronted criticism from Zelensky, who has accused him of making an attempt to appease Russian President Vladimir Putin, Johnson was at all times considered as an unequivocal supporter.

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The outgoing British prime minister is so in style in Ukraine that a number of cities have already proposed naming streets after him. When the information of his resignation broke, the main grocery store chain Silpo added an illustration of Johnson’s trademark mop of messy blond hair to its emblem.

Opinion: Don't be fooled by Boris Johnson's backing of Ukraine

Ukrainian presidential adviser Mykhailo Podolyak referred to as Johnson “a hero,” whereas Overseas Minister Dmytro Kuleba mentioned the British chief was “a person of no concern, able to take dangers for the trigger he believes in.”

Peter Kellner, a British polling knowledgeable, journalist and visiting scholar at Carnegie Europe, mentioned Johnson’s dedication to Ukraine was possible impressed by historical past — and his personal political wants.

“Ukraine has given Johnson a uncommon likelihood to emulate his hero: to take a tricky and uncompromising stance on a difficulty that’s each ethical and army,” he advised CNN in an electronic mail, referring to Johnson’s well-known admiration for Britain’s World Battle Two chief Winston Churchill. Kellner added that Johnson usually tried to show consideration to Ukraine at time of crises at dwelling.

“The Russian invasion got here at a time when Johnson was engulfed by scandal, notably over ‘Partygate’, and was additionally bothered by the political prices of quickly rising inflation,” he famous. “He’s not the primary, and will not be the final, nationwide chief to make use of toughness overseas to disguise weak point at dwelling.”

Glyn Morgan, affiliate professor of political science at Syracuse College, additionally questioned Johnson’s motivations.

“If one have been cynical, one would possibly assume that Johnson’s dedication to Ukraine mirrored a shameless effort to distract consideration from his longstanding relationships with Russian enterprise pursuits and his crumbling reputation within the UK on the time,” he mentioned.

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“If one have been romantic, one would possibly assume that Johnson’s dedication to Ukraine mirrored a really British fondness for the underdog, the plucky hero standing towards the bigger bully. Johnson is nothing if not a romantic, who sees himself because the hero in an epic.”

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky walk at Khreschatyk Street and Independence Square during their meeting in Kyiv, Ukraine on April 9, 2022.
Volodymyr Zelensky and Boris Johnson visited St. Michael's Golden-Domed Monastery in Kiev, Ukraine, on June 17, 2022.

Lengthy historical past of help

Johnson has championed Ukraine, however Britain’s dedication to assist it face down Russia began manner earlier than he got here to energy — when Russia illegally annexed Crimea in 2014.

In 2015, the UK army launched Operation Orbital, which was aimed toward offering the Ukrainian armed forces with steering and coaching.

That relationship grew even deeper in 2016, when the 2 international locations signed a 15-year protection cooperation settlement that targeted on extra coaching and intelligence sharing.

Nonetheless, at the moment, the UK was reluctant to offer Ukraine with arms, fearing any provides of deadly weapons would escalate the battle and anger Russia.

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That modified late final 12 months, when Russian President Vladimir Putin began amassing troops on Ukraine’s border.

In January, below Johnson’s route, the UK authorities shipped its first batch of weapons to Ukraine — 2,000 anti-tank missiles. Since then a gradual provide of weapons and ammunition has adopted.

Tide turns in the Ukraine war as Russia makes progress in the east

In accordance with a British authorities assertion, the UK has introduced £2.3 billion ($2.77 billion) price of army help for Ukraine for the reason that outbreak of the warfare in late February — greater than every other nation aside from the USA.

This sort of assistance is unlikely to cease with Johnson’s exit.

“The help for Ukraine is shared throughout the British political spectrum — left and proper, political lessons and the military-administrative lessons… his departure could have no impression, aside from that his successor is not going to be as charismatic,” Morgan mentioned.

However it’s that charisma that has made Johnson, and in flip the UK, so in style with the Ukrainians — although he didn’t help a few of Kyiv’s key calls for. Like the remainder of NATO, the UK refused to impose a no-fly zone over Ukraine. Britain additionally lagged behind different European international locations in its help for Ukrainians searching for refuge, refusing to drop visa necessities. But the UK by no means drew the criticism that Zelensky did not hesitate to degree at others.

Whereas the fabric help is more likely to proceed within the close to time period, the long run technique would possibly shift.

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Kellner mentioned that like his hero Churchill, who demanded Germany’s unconditional give up in World Battle Two, Johnson has argued for a technique of full victory over Russia, and towards any compromise.

“If there comes some extent the place a negotiated finish to the preventing turns into doable, Britain’s new prime minister won’t press Zelensky as forcefully as Johnson has carried out to say the warfare, with its deaths and destruction, ought to keep on to the bitter finish,” he mentioned.

The warfare in Ukraine is more likely to drag on for a very long time. With out the help of the West, Kyiv can’t defend itself towards an enemy that has sources a number of magnitudes bigger.

With the British public going through a deep cost-of-living disaster, a British prime minister who’s prepared to spend cash on serving to a rustic 1000’s of miles away will likely be essential for Kyiv.

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Hurricane Milton 2 AM Update

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Hurricane Milton 2 AM Update

SARASOTA, Fla. (WWSB) – The National Hurricane Center’s latest cone shows Milton’s track has stayed on course.

Here is what is new from the update: The 2 a.m. advisory from the National Hurricane Center reports Milton continues to intensify. It has the center of Hurricane Milton moving to the east at 6 mph. Sustained wind speeds remain at 90 mph and the pressure has dropped by 2 mb to 975 mb.

The track remains nearly the same, but the satellite view shows the eye beginning to develop. Milton is expected to become a category 4 storm in the far Gulf waters before running into shear. That should weaken it to a category 3 hurricane by the time it makes landfall on the west coast of Florida on Wednesday, as a major hurricane capable of life-threatening impacts.

Milton Satellite 2 AM(station)

All preparations should be completed no later than Tuesday afternoon.

Areas of heavy rain will impact Florida in advance of the storm’s arrival. Hazards include storm surge, dangerous winds, heavy rains, possible tornadoes, and more.

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Expect watches and warning to be issued for Florida later today. Mandatory evacuations will begin after 2 p.m. for level A and B in Manatee County, level A in Sarasota County, and all mobile homes and recreational vehicles in both counties.

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Israel marks first anniversary of Hamas attacks

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Israel marks first anniversary of Hamas attacks

This article is an on-site version of our The Week Ahead newsletter. Subscribers can sign up here to get the newsletter delivered every Sunday. Explore all of our newsletters here

Hello and welcome to the working week.

It is going to be a difficult start to the next seven days for many as Israel marks the first anniversary of the Hamas attacks when more than 1,200 people were killed and 251 people were taken hostage. Benjamin Netanyahu’s government and military leaders hit back and the conflict has escalated over the past 12 months.

But on Monday, people will stop to remember. Thousands of Israelis are expected to pay their respects at the Nova Music Festival memorial, the location of a rave where Hamas killed 364 and kidnapped 44 partygoers and staff a year ago. Others will travel to Hostages Square in Tel Aviv, where families and supporters have campaigned for the release of those taken. Memorials will be held in various communities that lost neighbours and relatives in the attacks, notably Kibbutz Be’eri, where more than 100 people were killed and 32 taken hostage.

On a more uplifting track, this week will bring rolling announcements on the winners of this year’s six Nobel Prizes. Given the war in the Middle East and beyond, interest in the Peace Prize, announced on Friday, is likely to be high.

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The corporate world takes up a lot of the news diary slack this week as we find ourselves deep in the earnings season. The big moment will be the Wall Street banks, which begin reporting on Friday. I’m not sure they will be mentioning this, but I’d recommend reading the excellent analysis of the rise of secretive trading firms such as Jane Street and Citadel Securities by US banking editor Joshua Franklin.

And then there is the long-awaited Robotaxi launch event by Tesla in Los Angeles on Thursday. What will they cost? When will they be ready to hit the streets? And does this mean Tesla owners can list their cars to be used for ride-hailing? All important questions.

Economic data is on the thin side this week, with US and German inflation figures and a UK monthly GDP estimate about the best of it. More details below.

One more thing . . . 

The matter of Parkrun is also a cause of division, but thank you to everyone who got in contact about it to share your passion for getting your running shoes on or about other group outdoor pursuits. Saturday will bring an outdoor event I could get into: The Peckham Conker Championships. Organisers are promising a 22-carat golden conker — I think it may be spray painted — but it does sound fun.

I’m interested in your priorities for the week ahead. Drop me a line at jonathan.moules@ft.com or, if you are reading this from your inbox, hit reply. And have a good week.

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Key economic and company reports

Here is a more complete list of what to expect in terms of company reports and economic data this week.

Monday

  • Germany: August manufacturing, new orders and sales index

  • UK: Halifax House Price Index

  • Results: Ferrexpo Q3 production report, Grainger trading statement, Repsol trading statement, Shell Q3 quarterly update

Tuesday

  • October Prime Day, a global ecommerce shopping event by Amazon, offering deals to its Prime members in 19 countries

  • Germany: August industrial production index

  • UK: British Retail Consortium-KPMG Retail Sales Monitor

  • Results: Imperial Brands pre-close trading update, OMV Q3 trading update, PepsiCo Q3, S&U HY, Unite Group trading update, XP Power Q3 trading update

Wednesday

  • Witan Investment Trust hold a second general meeting of shareholders to vote on the proposed winding-up of the company and combination with Alliance Trust. If approved, the deal is expected to complete shortly after the meeting by means of a voluntary liquidation of the company and combination of the two companies to create Alliance Witan

  • US: Federal Open Market Committee meeting minutes published

  • Results: CMC Markets HY pre-close trading update, Marston’s trading update

Thursday

  • Tesla due to unveil its Robotaxi, a launch event postponed, according to post on X (formerly Twitter) by chief executive Elon Musk, because of a design change

  • UK: Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors Residential Market Survey

  • US: September consumer price index (CPI) inflation rate data

  • Results: Delta Air Lines Q3, Domino’s Pizza Q3, Fast Retailing FY, Liontrust Asset Management HY trading update, Seven & i Holdings Q2, Tata Consultancy Services Q2, Treatt FY trading update, Volution Group FY

Friday

  • Germany: final September CPI and Harmonized Consumer Price Index inflation rate measures

  • UK: August GDP estimate

  • US: September producer price index (PPI) inflation rate data. Plus, University of Michigan consumer sentiment index

  • Results: Bank of New York Mellon Q3, BlackRock Q3, Hays Q1 trading update, JPMorgan Chase Q3, Jupiter Fund Management Q3 trading update, Wells Fargo Q3

World events

Finally, here is a rundown of other events and milestones this week.

Monday

  • Israel: first anniversary of the Hamas attacks on Israel that caused more than 1,200 deaths with hundreds taken hostage

  • Laos: Asean Business and Investment Summit bringing together more than 1,000 CEOs and senior executives with world leaders begins, running alongside the Asean Summit

  • Philippines: South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol meets President Ferdinand Marcos Jr for bilateral talks in Manila. The two are expected to sign an agreement and issue joint statements after the meeting

  • Sweden: Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine announced, the first of several science prizes that will be given out over the coming todays. Tomorrow is physics, followed by chemistry on Wednesday

Tuesday

  • Luxembourg: Economic and Financial Affairs Council (Ecofin) meeting of EU finance ministers.

  • UK: Alexander Darwall and his wife Diana Darwall bring an appeal against the decision of the UK Court of Appeal that the Dartmoor National Park Authority can allow wild camping in the national park. The Darwalls own the 4,000-acre Blachford Estate in Dartmoor and previously won a High Court case ruling that there was no right to wild camp on Dartmoor without the landowner’s permission. The Court of Appeal overturned that decision

  • US: Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump participates in a town hall presented by Spanish-language network Univision

Wednesday

  • 150th anniversary of the Universal Postal Union under the Treaty of Bern, which unified a complex maze of postal services and regulations into a single postal territory and allowed for the growth of global post deliveries

  • Mozambique: presidential and parliamentary elections

  • UK: Conservative MPs start voting to determine the final two candidates vying to become the party’s next leader, after Rishi Sunak announced his resignation in the wake of the party’s heavy general election defeat. The outcome is announced tomorrow. Party members will then vote on these two options

Thursday

  • World Mental Health Day, raising public awareness about mental health issues

  • Sweden: Nobel Prize for Literature announced

  • UK: Unleashed, a memoir of former prime minister Boris Johnson, is published. The pre-publication publicity promises revelations on campaigning for Brexit, how he nearly died from Covid-19, bikes, buses and the London Olympics

  • US: President Joe Biden begins trip to Germany and Angola

  • US: Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris participates in a town hall presented by Spanish-language network Univision

Friday

  • Greece: government due to present a revised national climate plan, with more ambitious targets for the share of renewable power in its electricity mix and lower carbon emissions

  • Sweden: Nobel Peace Prize winner announced

Saturday

  • Spain: National Day, aka Dia de la Hispanidad, commemorating the day in 1492 when Christopher Columbus caught sight of the New World. Includes annual military parade in Madrid

  • UK: Peckham’s annual conker championship returns

Sunday

  • China: publishes September CPI and PPI inflation rate figures

  • Lithuania: parliamentary elections

  • UK: Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s first 100 days in office

  • US: John Donahoe retires as Nike president and chief executive. Elliott Hill succeeds him tomorrow

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In Queens, N.Y., an immigrant street vendor is forced to confront crippling shyness

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In Queens, N.Y., an immigrant street vendor is forced to confront crippling shyness

Luis Beltran sells ice cream at Flushing Meadows Park in Queens.

Wendy Correa for NPR


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Wendy Correa for NPR

When we met, Luis Beltran was standing in a crowd, looking a little shell-shocked, holding an ice cream.

“People in the city can be so rude,” he said.

It was still summer, and we were in the middle of one of the largest parks in New York City: Flushing Meadows Park in Queens. As the heat winds down, NPR has been interviewing parkgoers about life as recently arrived immigrants.

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This park is a great place to hear all kinds of stories. Queens is traditionally a hub for immigrants from all parts of the world, and thousands of people come here every weekend. On that summer day, there was live music, and food vendors selling goodies at the top of their lungs. Which is exactly what Beltran was trying to do for the first time: sell some ice cream.

But when he got there, he froze. (No pun intended.)

The thing is, Beltran is very shy.

“Especially around women,” he said, laughing and looking down. Beltran is 23 years old. He’s short and stocky, a handsome guy.

Originally from Ecuador, he left home about a year ago. He says he paid a coyote, a guide to migrants, to bring him up through Central America and Mexico, all the way to the U.S. border. It cost about $20,000.

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This is not an uncommon fee for that journey: Migrants often sell everything they own and get deep in debt to pay for the trek north. Coming to the U.S. is expensive,” said Beltran.

Beltran is among the more than 200,000 migrants who have arrived in New York City since 2022, according to local government. Like many of them, although he is in the immigration system, he doesn’t have work authorization. This is a problem because he owes money to that coyote, who knows where his family lives.

La deuda, the debt, is a frequent topic of conversation among recently arrived immigrant communities.

“I think about how to pay la deuda,” Beltran said.

He got a job in construction. Then one day, he picked up a book called Atomic Habits, by James Clear. “It teaches you how to take more risks, be more open, be more of a businessman. Challenge yourself.”

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Beltran finished the book and decided to come to the park and sell ice cream. Specifically, helados de salcedo, an Ecuadorian-style popsicle.

But when he got here this morning, he got nervous.

When we met, he was just standing there quietly, a now-dripping ice cream cone in hand, as if holding a white surrender flag.

He said he was thinking about his aunt. When he was a kid, he used to sell flowers with her on the street. He was already very shy back then, and one day she told him: “Luis, you can’t afford to be shy.”

So he says this morning when he got to the park, he came up with a mantra: “Send money to cancel the debt. Cancel the debt. Cancel the debt. Keep going. Keep fighting.”

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Beltran’s eyes light up a little as he says it aloud. He takes a deep breath and yells:

Helados de lado de salcedo, helados de sabores, helados, helados, helados no se quede con las ganas. (Salcedo ice cream! All kinds of flavors! Ice cream! Don’t hesitate to get yours!)”

As he shouts it, he smiles for the first time since we met.

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