Former Prime Minister Boris Johnson has launched a scathing attack on the government for its failure to utilise billions in frozen Russian state assets to bolster Ukraine's defences, demanding Sir Keir Starmer 'show some spine' against Vladimir Putin.
Call for Unilateral Action on Frozen Funds
In a stark intervention, Mr Johnson told the Daily Mail that Britain should act unilaterally to unlock up to £20 billion in Russian assets that have been frozen in London since the invasion of Ukraine nearly four years ago. He argued these funds could serve as collateral for a major loan to Kyiv.
His demand follows the collapse of a joint UK and European Union plan for a reparation loan underwritten by these Kremlin-linked assets. Mr Johnson described the EU-led proposal as 'legally watertight', but it fell apart after several nations were allegedly intimidated by Russia and the United States.
A 'Missed Opportunity' and a Gloating Putin
As a Plan B, the UK and EU have agreed to lend Ukraine 90 billion euros (£79 billion) from their own coffers. However, Johnson branded the original plan's failure a 'terrible missed opportunity' not just to fund Ukraine's war effort, but to send an unequivocal message of resolve to Moscow.
Ukraine's position is increasingly precarious. The country is rapidly running out of money to sustain its defence, and its troops are being pushed back in eastern provinces, weakening its hand in any future peace negotiations.
Following the deal's collapse, a gloating Vladimir Putin mocked Britain and Europe, labelling the failed asset plan 'daylight robbery' during his traditional pre-Christmas televised question-and-answer session.
Accusations of Abdicated Leadership
Mr Johnson, one of Ukraine's staunchest allies during his premiership, accused Sir Keir of 'abdicating leadership' on the issue to figures like German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and EU chief diplomat Ursula von der Leyen.
'My message to the Prime Minister is show some spine, show some leadership,' Johnson stated. 'Why have we abdicated leadership on Ukraine? Kyiv used to look to us. London is the financial capital of Europe.'
He specifically criticised Eastern European nations, including Hungary, Slovakia, and the Czech Republic, for blocking the asset plan, questioning how countries once invaded by Russia could treat Ukraine in such a manner. He also noted that Italy withdrew support under apparent US pressure.
'They must be made to feel the consequences of their actions,' Johnson added, while praising Chancellor Merz and von der Leyen for their efforts. 'This really was a missed opportunity... to signal to Putin that Russia will be treated as a pariah state.'
