Boris Johnson makes surprise visit to Kyiv as Ukrainians celebrate their independence from Russia amid rocket attacks

DEFIANT Ukrainians yesterday celebrated their independence from Russia by dodging rocket attacks — as Boris Johnson made a surprise morale-boosting visit. Explosions were reported across the country as millions were forced into shelters by constant air raid sirens. Boris Johnson made a surprise morale-boosting visit to UkrainePA Universal News & SportPresident Zelensky honoured Boris Johnson with the Order of Liberty[/caption] But they refused to be cowed as world leaders again showed their support for their resistance to ­Russian dictator Vladimir Putin. Mr Johnson made a third and final secret trip as PM to see President Volodymyr Zelensky and said: “What happens in Ukraine matters to us all. That is why I am in Kyiv today. “That is why the UK will ­continue to stand with our ­Ukrainian friends. “I believe Ukraine will win this war.” Read More on Ukraine War 'FULL SUPPORT' Boris Johnson vows 'Ukraine can and WILL win this war' in shock Kyiv visit STAY STRONG Queen sends message to Ukrainians on anniversary of Russia's brutal invasion He revealed a further £54million of military aid and US President Joe Biden pledged $3billion (£2.5billion) of fresh support. President Zelensky gave Mr Johnson the Order of Liberty, a Ukrainian honour for those who support the country’s sovereignty. He said of the PM: “Not every country is lucky to have such a friend. The UK helps to bring our victory closer.” Mr Johnson said Putin had been insane to invade, adding: “If we’re paying in our energy bills for the evils of Vladimir Putin, the ­people of Ukraine are paying in their blood.” Most read in World News STAY STRONG Queen sends message to Ukrainians on anniversary of Russia's brutal invasion PARTY PM'S TEARS Finland's PM weeps & admits ‘I’m also human’ after parties & topless pals DOUBLE BLOW Putin chief killed by car bomb days after war guru’s daughter assassinated SEX CLAIMS Heiress 'who had sex with boy 4 times in a day' breaks silence amid major update OFFICE PARTY Finland PM’s topless pals kissed at desk she uses for calls with world leaders FINAL MOMENTS Horror moment nurse drowns while live streaming herself in hotel pool The parade to mark Ukraine’s 1991 independence was scrapped yesterday amid fears it would be hit by missiles. Kyiv was spared but missiles were launched at Vinnytsia, Dnipro and Myrhorod. Last night, President Zelensky said at least 15 passengers were killed and 50 injured in a missile attack on a train at Chaplyne railway station in the Dnipro region. Nearby cars were burnt out and buildings wrecked. Elsewhere, Ukrainians were determined to mark Independence Day. Mum Anastasia Hlazenko, 24, celebrated with a family get-together in Svitlovodsk. But she said: “We had about ten sirens by lunchtime.” Crowds flocked to the graveyard of Russian military might — a ­column of 70 burnt-out tanks and missile launchers — near Independence Square in Kyiv. Read More on The Sun JUDI'S TEARS Loose Women star Judi Love breaks down in tears and starts sobbing live on air PARK AND CHIDE My cheeky neighbour blocks my drive - I think she has a secret plan Student Max Drobot, 28, said: “We haven’t had the usual military parade — just one of destroyed Russian vehicles.” Ex-Tory leadership contender Tom Tugendhat also visited yesterday. ReutersBoris Johnson said Putin had been insane to invade Ukraine[/caption]