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Boris Johnson on Volodymyr Zelenskyy

Staunch Zelenskyy ally (strong)

TL;DR

Boris Johnson strongly supports Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy as a heroic leader against Russian aggression, offering consistent political and military backing.

Key Points

  • He remarked in April 2022 that the world had found new heroes in the people of Ukraine, with Zelenskyy providing the 'roar of that lion'.

  • The former Prime Minister has publicly denounced comments from other figures, such as Donald Trump, who described Zelenskyy as a 'dictator'.

  • During a January 2023 meeting in Kyiv, the President thanked the politician for his active public support and discussed security guarantees for Ukraine.

Summary

Boris Johnson has consistently articulated a position of strong, personal admiration and unwavering political support for Volodymyr Zelenskyy, particularly following Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022. The former British Prime Minister lauded the Ukrainian President’s leadership as extraordinary and his people’s bravery as heroic, frequently contrasting their resolve with Vladimir Putin’s aggression. Johnson’s support manifested in public statements during visits to Kyiv, such as his remarks on April 9, 2022, where he pledged continued British military and economic assistance to ensure Ukraine would never be bullied or threatened again.

This alignment has seen Johnson frequently defend the President against critics, notably hitting out at what he termed 'ghastly' and 'complete untruths' spoken by others regarding Zelenskyy’s conduct or status. He has also been an active figure in advocating for further international support for Ukraine's defense and its security guarantees, engaging with Ukrainian officials to discuss practical steps. While Zelenskyy has recently rejected specific claims suggesting Johnson pressured Ukraine out of a 2022 peace deal, the overall relationship remains one of a firm and vocal supporter of the Ukrainian President’s wartime stance.

Key Quotes

I think what Putin has done in places like Bucha and Irpin, his war crimes have permanently polluted his reputation and the reputation of his government.

Frequently Asked Questions

Boris Johnson views Volodymyr Zelenskyy as an exceptionally brave and heroic wartime leader. He has consistently offered strong political and personal support to the President since the 2022 invasion.

Generally, his public stance is overwhelmingly positive, framing Zelenskyy as a necessary symbol of resistance against Russian aggression. However, Zelenskyy has had to publicly reject claims that Johnson influenced his 2022 negotiation strategy.

The former Prime Minister promised extensive support, including intensifying sanctions on Russia and providing defensive military support to fortify Ukraine. He expressed a vision for Ukraine to be so protected that it could never be bullied or threatened again.