In an exclusive interview with Sky News’ Ukraine: A Modern War programme, Mr Johnson spoke about the war, Vladimir Putin, the West’s response, his successor and his admiration for Joe Biden. However, he refused to dwell on the circumstances that led to his departure this summer. Johnson resigned as prime minister in July – and returned to the backbenches in September after Liz Truss became the new prime minister. A lot has happened in the world of politics since then – he had two successors and the economy went into freefall, but his focus remains on Ukraine. “Critical moment” for the world Asked whether President Putin might use a nuclear weapon in Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine, Mr Johnson said he “doesn’t think he will”. “I think he’d be crazy to do that,” he said. “I think what would happen is that he would immediately submit Russia’s resignation from the club of civilized nations. It would be a total disaster for his country. “Thus, the current economic punishment that the West has been able to impose will be massively intensified. “Russia would be put into a kind of cryogenic economic freeze, and I think it would lose a lot of the average global tacit consensus that it had. “He will also crucially lose the protection of the Chinese and above all in his own country, I think you would have an absolutely hysterical reaction. So I don’t think it’s an option.” Use Chrome browser for more accessible video player 2:36 Putin “would be crazy” to use a nuclear weapon He added that “there will have to be some response” from the West. “I think this is a critical moment for the world and I think it’s a pivotal moment. It’s a turning point,” he added. “And I think the danger is that we will try to compromise and find some kind of deal, some kind of scandalous bargain with Putin, to try to encourage the Ukrainians to trade some of their territory, which will encourage Putin to do further aggression. “The award for stability and continued support for Ukraine is absolutely huge because for the first time in decades we have shown that we really believe in democracy and freedom and that we are really willing to support it and those values in Europe. “So a Ukrainian victory could be a turning point for the world.” America is ‘Critical’ The former prime minister praised President Biden’s support for Ukraine, but said he was concerned about Republicans taking over Congress if they win the upcoming midterm elections. “I think it’s very important that America was exceptional,” he said. “Joe Biden has been absolutely wonderful, and people may not have expected me to say this, but I think America, as so often, is massively surprising on its part.” Republicans in the US have said that if they take over Congress after the midterms there will be no “blank check” for Ukraine. Mr Johnson said: “Exactly. I saw that Kevin McCarthy said the other day. “I think actually when you talk to individual Republicans, they see the vital importance of this race,” he said. He added that “you always have to worry” that U.S. support could wane. “It’s a lot to ask of any country, especially in tough economic times, the Americans have been fantastic.” Does he regret losing his job? Johnson refused to be drawn into resigning as prime minister, choosing instead to focus on how there had been “an absolutely seamless continuity of policy” on Ukraine. “While it is clearly tempting, the most important thing is not to focus on me or my political career, but to focus on what matters,” he added. Use Chrome browser for more accessible video player 1:24 Does Boris Johnson regret losing power? UK to continue supporting Ukraine ‘flat rate’ The former prime minister said he believes the UK government, whoever is in power, will continue its strong support for Ukraine. He said Rishi Sunak had a “great conversation the other night with Volodymyr Zelensky and we will continue to support Ukraine and make sure we give them everything they need.” And he doesn’t think any future British government will try to persuade Zelensky to negotiate a deal with Russia. “I would be passionately opposed to that and for exactly that reason I don’t think it’s likely to happen, but I just don’t think it’s realistic. “Because there is no deal that Zelensky can make. There is no deal offered by Putin. “It’s not like he’s saying give me the land bridge and Crimea and Donbass and your problems are over. No no no. “He remains committed to the complete destruction of an independent European democracy and in these circumstances, you simply cannot negotiate and I don’t believe any British government will.” Image: Boris Johnson said Rishi Sunak had a great chat with Volodymyr Zelensky the other night defense spending Mr Johnson had pledged to spend 3% of GDP on defence, but Rishi Sunak has so far not committed to this, although he is holding meetings this week on the issue. This time it didn’t go as far. However, even with the financial constraints the UK now faces, the UK “will continue to be very supportive and very generous”. Asked if the government should commit to 3%, he said: “This is for our future. “I think I pointed out that with our current commitments we’re already at 2.4%, we’re going to continue at 2.5% with AUKUS and Net Gas and the combat air system, we’re going to spend a huge amount on defense whatever if it happens.” Did Russia Hack Truss’ Phone? The government is facing calls for an urgent investigation following reports that Liz Truss’ phone was hacked by Russia while she was foreign secretary. But Mr Johnson said he could not talk about security issues. Right will prevail Mr Johnson really believes that Putin will not win in Ukraine. “I think what the war in Ukraine requires of everyone is strategic patience and continuity, but I have absolutely no doubt that the right thing will prevail in the end. “It’s the difference between right and wrong, there’s no doubt about it. And I think the Ukrainians will win. And our energy security will be greatly improved at the end of it.” Johnson’s future role The former prime minister said he is “happy to be doing what I’m doing”. Asked if he would like an envoy role, he said: “I think my job is to talk about what I think would be the immediate needs of Ukraine. “If I can just reiterate this key point for our viewers. I think your brilliant correspondents have done a fantastic job throughout this war and they would agree, they need more help to take down these drones and those missiles.”
