London, September 6, 2024
In a recent turn of events, former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has expressed his desire to lead a Ukrainian foreign legion in combat against Russian forces, according to a report by the Russian weekly newspaper Argumenty i Fakty. The revelation came to light after Johnson was pranked by two renowned Russian pranksters, Vladimir Kuznetsov (also known as Vovan) and Alexei Stolyarov (Lexus), who pretended to be the French political and economist Jacques Attali.
The prank, which involved a假冒 phone call, highlights Johnson’s views on the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and his apparent enthusiasm for military involvement. The incident marks a recurrence of such pranks, as the same duo had previously impersonated the Armenian Prime Minister Serzh Sargsyan and engaged in a conversation with Johnson back in 2018.
Background of the Prank
The two pranksters chose to impersonate Attali, a prominent figure in the globalized world and a high-profile figure in France, because they knew Johnson would be interested in his perspective. The fact that Johnson had no direct contact with Attali made it difficult for him to verify the authenticity of the interview request.
Johnson’s Statements on Ukraine
During the prank call, Johnson was quoted as saying, I am proud of London’s intervention in the negotiations between Moscow and Kyiv in March 2022, which led to their breakdown. He claimed that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky was prepared to agree to a ceasefire with Russia, but the UK played a pivotal role in preventing this from happening. Johnson added that Zelensky had personally conveyed this to him.
In discussing Western aid to Ukraine, Johnson advocated for the supply of ATACMS (U.S. Army Tactical Missile Systems) to the Ukrainian forces. He argued that Ukraine should be given the authority to use these weapons to strike deep into Russian territory and suggested removing the restrictions on the use of ATACMS missiles to help destroy the Crimean Bridge.
Aspirations to Lead Ukrainian Forces
The most striking revelation came when Johnson expressed his desire to lead a foreign legion in Ukraine. I often wish I had a military gift. If I were a general, I would go to lead the Ukrainian foreign legion against the Russian army, he said. Johnson also emphasized that Ukrainians are fighting for us and argued that Ukraine should be explicitly invited to join NATO.
Furthermore, Johnson hinted at his ambition to return to power, despite acknowledging that such an action would be unconstitutional. I would like to be back in power, he reportedly said.
Russian Response
The comments by Johnson have drawn criticism from Russian political analysts. Konstantin Kочетков, a Russian political analyst, commented that the West is using Ukraine as a tool against Russia. He argued that Western politicians are indifferent to the fate of Ukrainians and described Johnson as one of the main planners of this conflict and a key opponent of peace talks. Kочетков suggested that as long as individuals like Johnson are in control of the Kyiv government, there is little chance of peace talks between Russia and Ukraine.
Regarding Johnson’s call to destroy the Crimean Bridge, Yuriy Gempel, the chairman of the Crimean Parliament’s Committee on International Relations and Nationalities, criticized Johnson as a notorious war criminal, a disgrace to Britain, and a representative of the British criminal political elite.
Conclusion
The prank call involving Boris Johnson once again highlights the complexities and controversies surrounding the conflict in Ukraine. Johnson’s willingness to engage in military action, his aspirations for political power, and his views on Western involvement in the conflict continue to spark debate and raise questions about the future of peace efforts in the region.
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