BORIS Johnson is a “true friend” of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said after the Prime Minister won his vote of confidence among Tory MPs.

The Prime Minister won 211 votes on Monday night, but a significant minority of 148 Tory MPs voted to usurp him and several have said his days in the role are now numbered.

Prior to the ballot, the UK confirmed it was joining the US in providing long-range multiple launch rocket systems to Ukraine.

Johnson said the systems would help Ukraine “effectively repel the continuing Russian onslaught”.

“We cannot stand by while Russian long-range artillery flattens cities and kills innocent civilians,” he said.

The National:

Johnson and Zelenskyy also shared talks in the afternoon, with the leaders having an “in-depth” discussion about the latest military situation.

“They agreed to intensify work with other allies, including G7 leaders, to drive progress on ending Russia’s illegal invasion and supporting Ukraine’s economy,” a spokesperson said.

In the wake of Monday night’s result, which saw Johnson saved for now as MPs expressed frustration over lockdown-breaking parties held across Downing Street and Whitehall, Ukrainian president Zelenskyy said he was pleased his country hasn’t “lost an important ally”.

“Boris Johnson is a true friend of #Ukraine - Great Britain is an ally,” said Zelenskyy on Financial Times Live.

READ MORE: Douglas Ross has been 'consistent' on Boris Johnson, Tory MSP claims

Speaking through a translator, Zelenskyy also said: “Boris is supporting us. Boris is very concrete in supporting Ukraine.

“I do not know who was responsible for this decision yesterday but I’m glad we have not lost a very important ally. This is great news. That is all I can say.”

The Prime Minister’s official spokesman said: “The Prime Minister enjoys a very close relationship with President Zelenskyy.

“He believes it is vital to how the UK is able to adapt and support Ukraine in this fast-moving situation.”

Earlier, Zelenskyy’s adviser Mikhail Podolyak tweeted welcoming the result of the no-confidence ballot.

“Leadership is always a heavy burden. @BorisJohnson was one of the first who realized the menace of [Russia] & stood by @ZelenskyyUa to protect the free world from barbaric invasion,” he wrote.

“The world needs such leaders. The UK is a Great friend of [Ukraine]. [British] crown is a shield of democratic world.”

READ MORE: Boris Johnson is 'lame duck PM' after 148 Tory MPs vote against him, Nicola Sturgeon says

The Ukrainian leader’s intervention came after UK Education Secretary Nadhim Zahawi claimed Zelenskyy would be “punching the air” at Johnson’s confidence-vote victory.

Johnson’s popularity among Ukrainian politicians can largely be put down to the UK’s speedy supply of weaponry to the country when compared to other European nations like Germany.