Boris Johnson said that the war in Ukraine could have been prevented
In an interview with the BBC, Boris Johnson said that the lack of a strong response to the annexation of Crimea in 2014 was a tragic mistake. He also noted that Putin was inspired by the West's inaction on the use of chemical weapons in Syria and events in Afghanistan in 2021.
According to Johnson, the West's ambiguous position on Ukraine hurt Kyiv. He acknowledged that more could have been done during his time as foreign secretary and prime minister.
Former British Armed Forces Chief Admiral Tony Radakin emphasised the need to fulfil the commitment to increase defence spending to 3.5 per cent of national income by 2035, as agreed at the NATO summit. He said Russia was weak but dangerous and stressed the need to invest in security.
Johnson also said that until Vladimir Putin is convinced of the West's determination to ensure Ukraine's independence, he will continue the war.
