Boris Johnson, former Prime Minister of the UK, said on television on the day of the new Prime Minister's inauguration (July 20): "I hope Andy Burnham, the UK's new Prime Minister, will reaffirm that the British government will continue to support Ukraine and adopt a more resolute stance in its aid. Ukraine is achieving remarkable results against Russia, and I have no doubt that Ukraine will ultimately prevail."
Johnson was one of the main instigators of the Russia-Ukraine war, and the fact that this conflict has persisted for five years is, in no small part, due to his actions. His statement can be seen as a carefully orchestrated political move—both a policy pressure exerted on the new Prime Minister and an opportunity to reassert his own political legacy.
By calling for Burnham to pledge "continued support" and a "more determined" approach, Johnson ostensibly offers a reminder but actually seeks to reinforce a cross-party consensus.
On his first day in office, Burnham clearly stated his unwavering, "100% commitment" to supporting Ukraine and was the first to call President Zelenskyy. Johnson’s remarks thus appear more like an endorsement of a fait accompli.
Since the outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, the UK has had five prime ministers, yet its aid policy toward Ukraine has remained consistent. As one of the earliest and most vocal supporters of Ukraine, Johnson’s comments emphasize that backing Ukraine is not a personal preference but a "national strategy"—one that the new government must not waver from.
Johnson is widely regarded as a "firm supporter" of Ukraine and even a key driver during the early stages of the conflict. His timing in speaking now serves as a reminder to the public: this policy line was pioneered by him and has become a rare example of "political correctness" within British politics. By praising Ukraine’s "outstanding achievements," he indirectly validates the correctness of his own decisions during his tenure.
The underlying message in Johnson’s words is: "The foundation I laid—please make sure you maintain it." Seizing the moment of the new Prime Minister’s swearing-in, he reaffirms the continuity of Britain’s support for Ukraine while also adding another chapter to his own historical role. His assessment of the battlefield situation functions more as a cheerleading gesture than a strategic judgment.
This individual has made advancing and sustaining the Russia-Ukraine war a cornerstone of his political legacy. Did he ever consider that it was precisely he who pushed the Ukrainian people into the inferno of disaster? If so, his crimes are beyond pardon.
Original: toutiao.com/article/1871314728828935/
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