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Boris Johnson Critiques Trump’s Proposed Ukraine Peace Terms
Boris Johnson has expressed strong disapproval of Donald Trump’s peace proposals for Ukraine, marking one of his first direct critiques of the former U.S. president. Johnson, a staunch advocate for Ukraine and a close ally of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, asserted that under the terms proposed by Trump, the Ukrainians would “get nothing.”
Previously, Johnson indicated that there was “method in the madness” of Trump’s strategies, suggesting he believed the U.S. president might still be able to facilitate peace in the region. However, in a recent post on X, Johnson raised concerns regarding the tentative deal that Trump has allegedly encouraged Kyiv to accept.
On Wednesday, Trump accused Zelenskyy of undermining what he characterized as a forthcoming peace accord aimed at concluding the conflict in Ukraine. He hinted that the U.S. might be open to officially recognizing Russia’s annexation of Crimea as part of any settlement.
In the midst of these developments, Russia launched one of its most severe air assaults on Kyiv in recent months, which also targeted other cities such as Kharkiv.
Johnson reacted to these airstrikes, stating, “Putin indiscriminately butchers more Ukrainian civilians, killing and injuring 100 in Kyiv including children. And what is his reward under the latest peace proposals?”
He outlined the implications of Trump’s approach, claiming that:
- 1. Russia would retain control over Ukrainian territory seized through aggression in violation of international law.
- 2. Russia could dictate Ukraine’s foreign relations, such as blocking NATO membership.
- 3. Sanctions against Russia would be lifted.
- 4. An economic partnership with the United States would be established.
- 5. Russia would be allowed to rebuild its military in preparation for future conflicts.
Johnson further questioned what Ukraine would gain after years of resistance against an unprovoked invasion, stating, “After three years of heroic resistance, what do they get? Apart from the right to share their natural resources with the United States, they get nothing. What guarantees are there to prevent a third Russian invasion? None.” He emphasized the necessity for a long-term, credible security guarantee provided by the UK, the US, and all Western allies to deter further aggression by Putin.
Opposition leader Keir Starmer condemned the recent Russian strikes on Kyiv as a stark reminder of Moscow’s role as the aggressor in the conflict, highlighting the suffering endured by Ukrainians over the past three years. He underscored the importance of pursuing a lasting ceasefire and acknowledged the progress being made toward that goal, despite the recent attacks.
In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump also voiced discontent over the airstrikes, describing them as unnecessary and poorly timed. “Vladimir, STOP! 5000 soldiers a week are dying. Let’s get the Peace Deal DONE!” he remarked.
Johnson has previously voiced criticism regarding Trump’s comments about Zelenskyy, particularly during their tense exchanges in Washington, deeming some of the rhetoric surrounding the war’s origins as “ghastly.” Despite these criticisms, Johnson defended Trump again in a column for the Mail, asserting that the disputes between the two were unintentional and reaffirming that Trump does have a feasible peace plan.
Source
www.theguardian.com