How has the world reacted to Boris Johnson's resignation?

Boris Johnson has announced his resignation after less than three years in Number 10.

He said he had tried to persuade his cabinet it would be “eccentric” to change prime minister now, but added: “I regret not to have been successful in those arguments.”

But how have world leaders and prominent political figures responded to Mr Johnson’s resignation?

Volodymyr Zelenskyy

The Ukrainian president had a call with the prime minister after he had made his resignation speech.

President Zelenskyy called Mr Johnson a “hero” and praised his “unwavering” support for Ukraine.

He also said he felt “sadness” over Mr Johnson’s resignation.

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Meanwhile, Ukraine’s foreign minister Dmytro Kuleba described Mr Johnson as a “true friend” of the country, as it defends itself against a Russian invasion.

During his speech outside Downing Street, Mr Johnson said the UK will continue to fight for freedom for the people of Ukraine “for as long as it takes”.

Joe Biden

US President Joe Biden interestingly did not mention Mr Johnson by name in his 88-word statement in response to the resignation.

“The United Kingdom and the United States are the closest of friends and allies, and the special relationship between our people remains strong and enduring,” President Biden wrote.

“I look forward to continuing our close cooperation with the government of the United Kingdom, as well as our allies and partners around the world, on a range of important priorities.

“That includes maintaining a strong and united approach to supporting the people of Ukraine as they defend themselves against Putin’s brutal war on their democracy, and holding Russia accountable for its actions.”

The absence of a personal tribute from President Biden is striking and confirmation that – unlike many of their predecessors – the two leaders were far from soulmates.

Before entering the White House, Mr Biden described Mr Johnson as “kind of a physical and emotional clone” of Donald Trump.

Micheal Martin

The Taoiseach wishes Mr Johnson and his family “all the very best for the future” on a “personal level”.

But he added that “while Prime Minister Johnson and I engaged actively together, we didn’t always agree, and the relationship between our governments has been strained and challenged in recent times”.

He added: “We have now an opportunity to return to the true spirit of partnership and mutual respect that is needed to underpin the gains of the Good Friday Agreement.”

Mary Lou McDonald

The Sinn Fein leader said Mr Johnson “will not be missed”.

In a statement following his resignation, Ms McDonald said that Mr Johnson had “brought austerity” to Northern Ireland and “brought us disaster” with Brexit.

“Under his leadership, the British government has consistently undermined the Good Friday Agreement and threatened to breach international law on multiple occasions. He will not be missed,” she continued.

“It needs to be stated very clearly that whoever succeeds Boris Johnson now as prime minister needs to change direction and change tact.”

Guy Verhofstadt

The European Parliament’s former Brexit coordinator described Mr Johnson as a “disgrace”.

“Boris Johnson’s reign ends in disgrace, just like his friend Donald Trump,” he posted on social media.

“The end of an era of transatlantic populism? Let’s hope so.

“EU-UK relations suffered hugely with Johnson’s choice of Brexit. Things can only get better!”

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Michel Barnier

The EU’s former Brexit negotiator said Mr Johnson’s resignation “opens a new page in relations” between Europe and the UK amid the ongoing row over the Northern Ireland Protocol.

Mr Barnier added: “May it be more constructive, more respectful of commitments made, in particular regarding peace & stability in NI, and more friendly with partners [in the EU]. Because there’s so much more to be done together.”

Russian ambassador Andrei Kelin

The Russian ambassador to Britain said Mr Johnson’s fall was a just reward for a “belligerent” anti-Russian policy of support for Ukraine while ignoring the economic needs of the British people.

“He concentrated too much on the geopolitical situation, on Ukraine,” Mr Kelin told Reuters.

“He left behind very much the country, people, state of the economy, and this is what has brought this outcome. Of course, we would prefer someone who is not so antagonistic or belligerent.”

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