As the anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine approaches, former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has heightened calls for the UK to provide jet fighters to the Ukrainian forces. In an interview with Sky News, Johnson emphasized the importance of equipping Ukraine with the necessary military hardware to drive out Russian forces and prevent them from regrouping for a fresh offensive. According to Johnson, the UK should “break the ice” and supply RAF Typhoons to the Ukrainian government in Kyiv, rather than merely relying on verbal support.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has already appealed for US F16 fighters, but Western allies have been hesitant to commit due to the lengthy training required for operating these advanced aircraft. Johnson acknowledges that the UK does not have F16s at its disposal, but suggests that the Typhoons could be an alternative solution. He believes that if the UK could provide the necessary training for Ukrainian pilots to operate the Typhoons, it would be a viable option.
Boris Johnson (Via Boris Johnson/Twitter)
Johnson’s advocacy for supplying Typhoons to Ukraine is rooted in his conviction that the Ukrainians require the equipment necessary to have a decisive impact on the conflict. He argues that without adequate military support, Ukraine may be unable to drive out Russian forces and could be forced to concede territory, allowing Russian President Putin to claim a hollow victory. In contrast, with access to advanced fighter jets, Ukraine could potentially expunge Russian forces from its territory.
The former Prime Minister also expressed his concern over China’s potential involvement in the conflict, warning that supplying weapons to Russia would be a “historic mistake”. Johnson questions why China would want to associate itself with Russian President Putin, who has revealed himself to be a “gangster and adventurer”. He believes that China’s support for Russia would be a grave error, with significant consequences for its international reputation.
Johnson’s proposal for the UK to supply Typhoon jet fighters to Ukraine reflects his deepening commitment to supporting the Ukrainian cause. By providing advanced military hardware, the UK could play a crucial role in strengthening Ukraine’s defenses and weakening Russia’s position in the conflict.
