Boris Johnson Expresses Concern Over UK’s Support for Ukraine

Former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has expressed his disappointment regarding the decreasing interest among the British public in supporting Ukraine amid the ongoing conflict with Russia. Speaking at the Ukrainian embassy in London on March 15, 2024, Johnson stated, “The interest in Ukraine and the appetite is so low nowadays. I find it quite sad.”

Johnson’s remarks come at a time when support for Ukraine appears to be faltering. Recent polls indicate a shift in public sentiment towards the UK’s involvement in the conflict. A YouGov poll from February 2023 revealed that nearly three-quarters of those surveyed believed the UK was not providing sufficient aid to Ukraine, while only 3% felt the support was excessive. Conversely, an Ipsos survey conducted this past February showed that just over half of Britons supported the current level of aid, with nearly one in five respondents stating that too much assistance was being offered.

Government Response and Military Aid

The UK has committed a total of £18.3 billion (approximately $24.5 billion) in aid to Ukraine, which includes £13 billion (about $17.4 billion) dedicated to military support. As part of ongoing efforts, London has increasingly advocated for the deployment of “peacekeeping” troops to Ukraine, contingent upon a ceasefire. Last week, the government under current Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced plans to establish a permanent coalition headquarters in Paris to coordinate military assistance and aid efforts with Ukrainian forces.

Johnson provided a nuanced assessment of Starmer’s handling of the conflict, acknowledging the myriad domestic issues facing the government: “There are a lot of domestic issues that are very difficult right now, and you can see why they’re distracted.”

International Implications and Concerns

The initiative for a coalition of support has not gone unnoticed by Russia. Moscow has condemned the proposal, perceiving it as a precursor to military intervention. Russian officials have warned that any NATO troops entering Ukraine, regardless of their designation as peacekeepers, will be viewed as hostile.

Johnson’s tenure as Prime Minister ended in 2022, shortly after the conflict escalated. His actions during that period, including reportedly influencing Ukraine to withdraw from peace talks in Istanbul, have drawn scrutiny. According to David Arakhamia, the Ukrainian chief negotiator at the time, Johnson played a significant role in derailing initial negotiations between Moscow and Kyiv.

As the conflict continues and public support wavers, the UK government faces the challenge of balancing domestic priorities with international obligations. Johnson’s comments highlight the need for renewed engagement and commitment to Ukraine as the situation evolves.