Boris Johnson calls on Europe to provide Ukraine with long-range weapons and to be more active in confronting Russia
Former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom Boris Johnson said that European countries should move from statements to real military support for Ukraine, including the transfer of long-range missiles and increased pressure on Russia.
Johnson's key proposals
According to the British politician, instead of lengthy discussions about its own defence architecture, Europe should focus on immediate assistance to Kyiv.
Among the steps he considers necessary:
transferring long-range weapons to Ukraine to strengthen its defence capabilities;
Curbing the activities of Russia's so-called «shadow fleet»;
Consideration of the deployment of military contingents in safe regions of Ukraine as a political signal of support;
unfreezing Russian assets in the EU to finance aid to Ukraine.
The US role in European security
Johnson stressed that without the United States' involvement, the European security system remains vulnerable. Washington provides the bulk of NATO's funding and military capabilities.
In his opinion, if European governments are not ready to take large-scale and risky steps for the sake of true strategic autonomy, they should openly acknowledge their dependence on American leadership and focus on strengthening the transatlantic alliance.
Context.
Calls for increased military aid to Ukraine come amid the ongoing war and discussions within the EU about the scope of support, the use of frozen Russian assets, and the long-term architecture of European security.
Johnson's position has traditionally been one of the toughest on countering Russian aggression and supporting Ukraine.
Ukrainian
English
