Portrait of Boris Johnson
Politician · country
Wikipedia (opens in new tab)

Boris Johnson on Ukraine

Strong Ukraine supporter (strong)

Boris Johnson has demonstrated a firm and vocal commitment to supporting Ukraine since the full-scale Russian invasion began in February 2022.

During his time as Prime Minister, Johnson ensured the UK joined international sanctions against Russia and authorised significant shipments of foreign aid and weapons to the Ukrainian government.

He has been recognised within Ukraine for this support, with many praising his efforts to isolate the Russian regime and provide military assistance, a position he has continued to champion after leaving office.

Context

Boris Johnson was Prime Minister of the UK when Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, making this a defining foreign policy crisis of his premiership.

His administration was responsible for setting the UK's initial comprehensive response, which included immediate punitive measures against Russia and high-profile diplomatic and material support for Kyiv.

Timeline

  1. Johnson warned that the European Union faced a clear choice between supporting Ukraine and approving the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline.
  2. Johnson visited Kyiv and described the build-up of Russian forces near the border as the 'biggest security crisis that Europe has faced for decades'.
  3. He issued a stark warning that Russian President Vladimir Putin intended to invade and encircle Kyiv, predicting the 'biggest war in Europe since 1945'.
  4. Following the full-scale invasion, Johnson condemned the action and immediately ensured the UK imposed sanctions on Russian banks and oligarchs.
  5. Johnson made a diplomatic visit to Kyiv, meeting with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
  6. He virtually addressed the Ukrainian Parliament, pledging an extra £300m in military aid and calling Ukraine's resistance its 'finest hour'.
  7. Johnson warned against stopping the conflict with a ceasefire, indicating that freezing the conflict would be a mistake.

Actions Taken

  1. Sanctions
    Joined international sanctions on Russian banks and oligarchs following the invasion.
  2. Energy Policy
    Announced the UK would phase out Russian oil imports by the end of 2022.
  3. Diplomacy
    Travelled to Kyiv to meet President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and affirm support.
  4. Military Aid
    Pledged an additional £300 million in military aid to Ukraine during a virtual address to their Parliament.

Key Quotes

I called on him [Putin] to step up from the brink, but he has not listened to reason.

Statement on the Russian Invasion of Ukraine February 24, 2022 — Spoken immediately after Russia launched its full-scale invasion.

It would be a profound mistake for the West to cease fire and freeze the conflict in Ukraine.

Speech/Statement on Conflict Resolution July 1, 2022 — Warning against a premature end to hostilities in July 2022.

Ukraine's resistance is the finest hour of that country and one of the finest hours in the history of modern Europe.

Address to the Ukrainian Parliament May 3, 2022 — Praising Ukrainian bravery during his address to the Rada.

Related Positions

  • Russia Johnson's strong support for Ukraine is directly linked to his adversarial stance towards the Russian government and President Putin.
  • Sanctions Policy His government's immediate implementation of financial and energy sanctions on Russia was a key component of the UK's Ukraine response.

Criticism

Russia's Ministry for Foreign Affairs

Banned Johnson and other senior British politicians from visiting Russia in April 2022, accusing Britain of isolating Russia and supplying 'the Kyiv regime with lethal weapons'.

Greenpeace and Friends of the Earth representatives

Criticised Johnson's government prior to COP26 for making unsubstantiated comments on imposing 'enforceable limits' on carbon emissions for other nations.

Sources1

* This is not an exhaustive list of sources.