Mr Johnson has overseen £3.8 billion of military and economic support to Ukraine and has visited its president since the Russian invasion in February.

The leaders have kept in regular communication and Britain was described by Andriy Syibha, a presidential aide to Mr Zelensky, as “the leader of the anti-war coalition” in April.

Mr Zelensky was asked whether he would support a campaign to reinstate Mr Johnson, who leaves office at the end of September, after a petition for a vote on his future among disaffected Tory members gained more than 10,000 signatures.

“I have no right to play in politics inside the UK,” he said. “What I can say is he is a big friend of Ukraine.

“I want him to be somewhere in politics in a position to be someone. I don’t want him to disappear, but the decision is in the hands of the British people.

“But I am sure that whatever position he is going to take, he is always going to be with Ukraine. This is from the heart.”

Speaking to Talk TV’s Piers Morgan Uncensored, he was also questioned about his message to Rishi Sunak and Liz Truss, the Conservative leadership contenders vying to replace Mr Johnson.

“What can I say? I would be happy to cooperate very closely like we used to have with Boris,” he replied. “The same close relationship with the UK and Ukraine.

“I know those two candidates are very respectful, and they have the support of the people and the society from the UK. We know about the positive strength of those leaders. Whoever is the leader, the highest level of support will be provided from Ukraine.”