UK schoolboy’s ‘best president’ letter brings ‘smile’ to Zelensky’s face

A 12-year-old UK schoolboy sent Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky a handwritten letter along with the school’s relief convoy to the war-torn nation withstanding Russia’s assault. Zelensky replied to the boy’s letter thanking him and what the UK is doing for Ukraine. 

Thomas Handley, who’s at Durham Trinity School, wanted to show support to “the best president” and wrote the letter to say that he was happy to be helping. 

Refugees in Poland discovered the letter and pledged to pass it on to the Ukrainian president. Zelensky replied to “Thomas at Trinity School”, saying “Thank you for your letter of support. I am ok and thank you for your help. We hope to bring peace to Ukraine and food to the citizens of all the country and rebuild the towns”. 

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He added, “What you say in your letter and what the United Kingdom does to support brings a smile to my face and to many others” before signing off with his name and designation. 

The Department of Education shared a picture of the schoolboy holding the president’s letter in his hand. 

Since Russian President Vladimir Putin sent troops into Ukraine on February 24, the global community has come together to support the eastern European country in whatever way possible. Earlier, the nature of aid was economic and humanitarian. However, there has been a marked shift now, with countries sending complex weapons – including tanks – to Ukraine. 

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The goal has changed from helping Ukraine defend itself to aiding the nation in defeating Moscow’s aggression. 

Ahead of the G7 talks, the UK promised an additional £1.3 billion in aid. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said, “Putin’s brutal attack is not only causing untold devastation in Ukraine, it is also threatening peace and security across Europe”, as per The Guardian. 

He added, “The UK was the first country to recognise the scale of the threat and send arms to help the Ukrainians defend themselves. We will stand by that endeavour, working with our allies to ensure Ukraine can continue to push back the Russian invasion and survive as a free and democratic country.”