Boris Johnson, the former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, has strongly condemned the recent insults directed at Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy by Donald Trump, calling the language “ghastly to hear” and labeling the claims as “complete untruths.” Speaking during a visit to Kyiv, Johnson, who is widely regarded as a key figure in the UK’s response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, expressed his deep concern over the ongoing conflict and the suffering it has inflicted on the Ukrainian people. Despite the harsh words from Trump, Johnson remains optimistic about the future of Ukraine, believing that Kyiv and Washington can still reach a mutually beneficial “economic partnership.” He emphasized that such an agreement would not only strengthen Ukraine’s position but also demonstrate the commitment of Western allies to its sovereignty and security.
Johnson also used his visit to Kyiv to urge the current UK government, led by Sir Keir Starmer, to increase defense spending to 3% of national income by 2030, if not sooner. He argued that this would be a crucial step in reinforcing the UK’s credibility on the global stage, particularly in the eyes of the United States. Johnson suggested that Starmer should use his upcoming meeting with Trump in Washington to propose the creation of an “Anglo-French” security force aimed at supporting Ukraine. This force, which Johnson referred to as a “steel-quilled porcupine of future Ukrainian security,” would consist of up to 30,000 troops from across Europe. The former prime minister believes that such a initiative would not only provide much-needed reassurance to Ukraine but also send a strong message to Russian President Vladimir Putin, who has sought to undermine Ukraine’s sovereignty and its aspirations to join NATO.
The former British leader, who is highly regarded in Ukraine for his role in rallying international support against Russia’s invasion, described the ongoing conflict as “horrendous” and expressed his deep sorrow for the suffering of the Ukrainian people. However, he was sharply critical of Trump’s recent verbal attacks on Zelenskyy, which included baseless accusations that the Ukrainian leader is a “dictator without elections” and that Ukraine bears responsibility for the war. Johnson bluntly stated that such claims are “complete untruths” and urged Trump to take a more constructive approach in his rhetoric and actions. Despite these criticisms, Johnson signaled that he still believes Trump supports Ukraine’s cause and would not want Putin to dictate the country’s future. He remains optimistic about Ukraine’s chances of success in the conflict, emphasizing the resilience and determination of its people.
Johnson also highlighted the potential for a significant economic and security deal between the United States and Ukraine, which could pave the way for a long-term partnership. He pointed to a draft agreement that would grant the US access to Ukraine’s vast mineral resources in exchange for security guarantees and financial support for Ukraine’s future. While the initial document may not include all the commitments Kyiv is seeking, Johnson believes it represents an important step toward ensuring Ukraine’s sovereignty and prosperity. He called on European allies, particularly the UK and France, to take on a greater role in supporting Ukraine, both militarily and economically, to alleviate some of the burden on the United States.
The former prime minister stressed that the proposed Anglo-French deterrent force, which would include troops from across Europe, would not be aimed at engaging in direct combat but would instead focus on providing logistical support, training, and reassurance to Ukraine. He described this initiative as a symbolic but powerful gesture of European unity and strength, which would send a clear message to Putin that the West remains committed to Ukraine’s security. Johnson also noted that Trump would likely expect a significant increase in defense spending from the UK, potentially beyond the 2.5% of GDP that Starmer is considering. He argued that such an increase would be essential for maintaining the UK’s influence on the global stage and for demonstrating its commitment to the transatlantic alliance.
In conclusion, Johnson’s comments reflect a nuanced perspective on the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and the role of Western leaders in supporting its sovereignty. While he is critical of Trump’s rhetoric, he believes that the US leader remains a key ally for Ukraine and that a coordinated effort between the UK, France, and other European nations can help ensure Ukraine’s long-term security. Johnson’s call for increased defense spending and the creation of a deterrent force underscores the need for greater European unity and a shared commitment to countering Russian aggression. As the conflict continues to rage, Johnson’s optimism about Ukraine’s future serves as a reminder of the resilience and determination of its people and the importance of sustained international support in their struggle for freedom and sovereignty.
