UK PM Boris Johnson meets Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv

British PM Boris Johnson was the latest foreign leader to visit Kyiv after Russian forces pulled back from areas to the north of the capital just over a week ago.

Kyiv: Ukraine is ready for a tough battle with Russian forces amassing in the east of the country, President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said on Saturday, and British Prime Minister Boris Johnson paid him a visit to offer fresh financial and military aid.

Johnson was the latest foreign leader to visit Kyiv after Russian forces pulled back from areas to the north of the capital just over a week ago. His visit was not previously announced.

Earlier in the day, the Ukrainian leader met Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer in Kyiv, warning in a joint news conference that while the threat to the capital has receded, it is gaining in the east.

"Yes, (Russian) forces are gathering in the east (of Ukraine)," Zelenskiy said.

"This will be a hard battle, we believe in this fight and our victory. We are ready to simultaneously fight and look for diplomatic ways to put an end to this war," Zelenskiy added.