Boris Johnson onstage at the Fortune Global Forum in New York City. (Photo by Jemal Countess/Getty Images for Fortune Media)
(EPICSTORIAN) — Former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has sharply criticized European governments for failing to release billions in frozen Russian assets, urging immediate action to support Ukraine in its war against Moscow.
Calling the current situation “absurd,” Johnson accused European allies, including Belgium and France, of dragging their feet while Ukraine struggles to sustain its defenses.
“The United States can see $300 billion of frozen Russian assets—mainly in Belgium,” Johnson stated. “That is cash that could and should be used to pay Ukraine and compensate the U.S. for its support. Why is Europe preventing the unfreezing of Putin’s cash?”
Europe’s Inaction Draws Scrutiny
Johnson’s remarks come amid growing frustration in Washington over European hesitation to seize and repurpose Russian state assets.
Western nations froze the funds in response to Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, but legal and political barriers have prevented their direct transfer to Kyiv.
According to him, the delay is indefensible. “We need to get serious, and fast,” he urged, pointing to U.S. calls for European nations to act decisively.
American officials have pushed for a plan to divert Russian assets to Ukraine, yet key European players have hesitated, citing legal complexities and potential diplomatic repercussions.
Trump’s Ukraine Comments Meant to Shock, Says Johnson
Johnson also addressed recent controversial statements from former U.S. President Donald Trump, who suggested that Ukraine’s democratic process should be scrutinized and downplayed President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s approval ratings.
Critics argue Trump’s remarks undermine Kyiv’s credibility, but Johnson framed them as a deliberate effort to jolt Europe into action.
“Trump’s statements are not intended to be historically accurate but to shock Europeans into action,” he explained. While acknowledging that Ukraine did not provoke the war—likening such claims to saying the U.S. attacked Japan at Pearl Harbor—he emphasized that Western allies must focus on tangible support rather than rhetorical debates.
Ukraine’s War Effort and the Need for Resources
Since Russia’s full-scale invasion, Ukraine has relied heavily on Western military and financial aid. However, with U.S. funding facing domestic political hurdles and European contributions lagging, pressure is mounting to tap into frozen Russian assets as a vital funding source.
The former UK leader dismissed concerns about Ukraine’s wartime governance, referencing historical precedents. “Of course, a country undergoing a violent invasion should not be staging elections,” he said. “There was no general election in the UK from 1935 to 1945.”
He also disputed claims that Zelenskyy’s approval ratings had collapsed, asserting they remain comparable to those of Trump.
Call for Urgent Action
Johnson’s comments reflect broader concerns in the West that time is running out for Ukraine to secure necessary resources.
The European Union has debated options for using Russian assets, but resistance from some member states has stalled decisive measures.
With the war showing no signs of ending, Johnson’s warning serves as a stark reminder that without immediate action, Ukraine’s ability to defend itself could be severely compromised.
Also Read:Macron Says Russia Must End Its Aggression for Lasting Peace in Ukraine
“Unlock Russian funds and get serious,” he insisted—putting the responsibility squarely on Europe’s shoulders.
