Boris Johnson Condemns Trump’s Insults Against Zelenskyy, Calls for Stronger UK Defense Spending

Boris Johnson, the former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, has strongly condemned the personal attacks made by Donald Trump against Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, describing them as "ghastly to hear" and "complete untruths." Speaking to Sky News during a visit to Kyiv, Johnson expressed his deep concern over the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and criticized Trump’s inflammatory rhetoric. Despite the verbal sparring, Johnson remains optimistic that Kyiv and Washington can reach a mutually beneficial "economic partnership," which he believes will strengthen Ukraine’s future. Johnson, who is widely regarded as a key figure in the UK’s response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, emphasized the importance of unity among Western allies in supporting Ukraine’s sovereignty and security.

A Call for Unity and Economic Partnership

Johnson’s comments come at a critical juncture in the Ukraine conflict, as both the U.S. and Ukraine negotiate a potential economic agreement. The deal, as described by Johnson, would grant the U.S. access to Ukraine’s vast mineral resources in exchange for long-term security guarantees and financial support. Johnson highlighted the importance of such a partnership, stating that it would help build a more secure and prosperous future for Ukraine. However, he noted that while the initial agreement may not explicitly commit to Ukraine’s long-term security, it is a crucial step toward demonstrating the West’s unwavering support for the embattled nation.

The Vision for an Anglo-French Security Force

Johnson also used his visit to Kyiv to call for increased defense spending in the UK, urging Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer to raise the defense budget to 3% of national income by 2030, if not sooner. He argued that this move would bolster the UK’s credibility on the global stage and strengthen its ability to contribute to international security efforts. Johnson proposed that Sir Keir use his upcoming meeting with Donald Trump in Washington to outline a plan for an "Anglo-French" security force, which would play a key role in providing logistical and training support to Ukraine. This force, which could include up to 30,000 troops from across Europe, would serve as a "steel-quilled porcupine of future Ukrainian security," according to Johnson.

The Significance of European Unity in Countering Putin

Johnson emphasized that the proposed Anglo-French force would not only provide tangible support to Ukraine but also send a powerful message to Russian President Vladimir Putin. He argued that Putin’s primary objective is to prevent Ukraine from aligning with NATO or hosting Western troops on its soil. However, Johnson expressed confidence that Trump would not accept a scenario in which Putin gains the upper hand in Ukraine. "He doesn’t want Putin to win any more than anybody else here in Kyiv does," Johnson remarked. The former Prime Minister stressed that the creation of such a force would demonstrate European strength and solidarity, undermining Putin’s efforts to isolate Ukraine.

The Need for Increased Defense Spending

While Sir Keir Starmer is expected to announce plans to raise the UK’s defense budget to 2.5% of GDP, Johnson suggested that this figure may not be sufficient to meet the expectations of the U.S. "I think he needs to go higher," Johnson said, adding that Trump would likely be looking for a "bigger number." This call for increased defense spending reflects Johnson’s broader belief that the UK must take a more prominent role in global security, particularly in the face of ongoing threats from Russia. He also highlighted the importance of the UK and its European allies sharing the burden of supporting Ukraine, both militarily and economically.

Conclusion: A Call to Action for the West

In summary, Johnson’s remarks underscore the urgent need for Western unity and decisive action in support of Ukraine. While he criticized Trump’s personal attacks on Zelenskyy, he expressed optimism about the potential for a U.S.-Ukraine economic partnership and the creation of an Anglo-French security force. Johnson’s call for increased defense spending in the UK reflects his broader vision for a stronger, more assertive Western alliance in the face of Russian aggression. As the conflict in Ukraine continues, Johnson’s words serve as a reminder of the importance of solidarity and leadership in defending democracy and sovereignty on the global stage.