Former U.K. Prime Minister Boris Johnson Supports US Deal on Ukraine’s Resources
Boris Johnson, the former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, has voiced support for a US-proposed deal on Ukraine’s natural resources. Speaking at an event in Kyiv on February 24, Johnson said that the deal should be signed because it commits the US to a free and sovereign Ukraine.
Johnson compared the deal to the lend-lease agreement made during World War II, where the US imposed harsh terms on the UK. He stated that Winston Churchill would have done the same thing as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is doing now – keeping America engaged.
The proposed deal would give the US a 50% interest in Ukraine’s natural resources, including critical minerals, oil, and gas. However, Ukrainian officials have been hesitant to sign the initial drafts due to security concerns and the large difference in monetary value between what the US is offering and what they are demanding.
Johnson also criticized Europe for not doing enough to confiscate frozen Russian assets worth around $300 billion. He stated that this lack of action is disappointing and that more needs to be done to show support for Ukraine.
The comments come as U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer confirmed readiness to deploy British peacekeepers to Ukraine to monitor a potential ceasefire. The US has also announced new military assistance, including 25 LAVs and other equipment.
Other countries are also taking steps to support Ukraine. Australia has introduced its most extensive package of sanctions since the beginning of the war, while New Zealand imposed restrictions on over 50 individuals and entities. Sweden has announced a transfer of air defense systems worth $113 million to Ukraine.
Russia launched a massive drone attack on February 24, deploying 185 Shahed-type attack drones and decoy drones. Ukrainian air defenses shot down 113 drones over 12 oblasts, while 71 decoy drones were lost without causing damage.
The situation in Ukraine remains tense as the world marks the third anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion.
