Boris Johnson has taken a subtle dig at Donald Trump by saying he “categorically rejects bizarre untruths” about origins of Ukraine war.
The US president last week accused Kyiv of being responsible for the war against Russia.
Mr Johnson, who is in ukraine to show solidarity with Ukraine, said: “I am proud to be here in Kyiv on the third anniversary of Putin’s invasion.
“I salute the continuing heroism of the Ukrainian people in resisting a vile act of unprovoked aggression and I categorically reject the bizarre untruths currently being peddled about the origins of that war.
“I urge people to keep cool and look at the facts of the continuing US support for Ukraine, under Donald Trump, and I remain convinced that Ukraine will have a great future as a free sovereign and independent nation.”
Speaking to Good Morning Britain, he added: “All the language that we are hearing about Ukraine being responsible for the war, you might as well say the swimmers are responsible for attacking the shark in Jaws”.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer will head to Washington later this week to meet Trump at the White House where Ukraine peace talks will be at the top of the agenda.
His talks follow soon after French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit to the US to meet its new leader to discuss the same issue.
Taking to X, formerly Twitter, Tory leader Kemi Badenoch said: “On the third anniversary of the start of Russia’s illegal invasion, we all need to remember how this war started, and restate our shared values and why we collectively back Ukraine.
“The Conservatives are proud to stand shoulder to shoulder with Ukraine. They have been battling the most flagrant breach of territorial integrity and sovereignty in Europe in recent times.
“They are on the frontline, protecting the principles that underpin our whole way of life – democracy, liberty and the rule of law. I’m proud that Britain has stood with the heroes of Ukraine as they defend their country, and that the UK Parliament has been united in our resolve to do all we can to back them.”
