Farage Clashes with Johnson Over Ukraine Comments, Citing ‘Hypocrisy’ Amid Political Turmoil

Nigel Farage accuses Boris Johnson of being hypocritical regarding statements on Ukraine

The head of Reform UK, Nigel Farage, waved a 2016 newspaper headline during a discussion that read: "Boris blames EU for war in Ukraine". Farage had earlier explained to the BBC that the expansion of the EU and NATO provided Vladimir Putin with a pretext to convince the Russian populace that "they're coming for us again", leading to conflict.

Political correspondent @Journoamrogers

Monday, June 24, 2024, 3:

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Nigel Farage has responded to Boris Johnson, following the ex-prime minister's harsh criticism, where he described Farage's remarks on the Ukraine conflict as "morally repugnant."

The leader of Reform UK charged Mr. Johnson with "hypocrisy," waving a 2016 newspaper headline that stated, "Boris blames EU for war in Ukraine."

Standing atop a campaign bus in Maidstone, Kent, Mr. Farage highlighted that the ex-mayor of London had previously attributed Russia's 2014 invasion of Crimea to policies set by Brussels.

The head of the Reform Party addressed the media following the controversy sparked by his statements last week, in which he suggested that actions by Western nations and NATO had "provoked" the conflict in Ukraine, which started over two years ago.

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Mr. Farage explained to the BBC that he has been predicting a conflict in Ukraine ever since the Berlin Wall came down, attributing it to the continuous expansion of NATO and the European Union towards the east.

He stated that these measures provided Vladimir Putin with grounds to claim to the Russian populace that "they're coming for us again" and to engage in warfare.

In the interview, Mr. Farage was questioned about his past remarks regarding the Russian leader, whom he had expressed admiration for as a political tactician, although he acknowledged that the war was "of course" Mr. Putin's responsibility.

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After the interview, Mr. Johnson, who sanctioned significant financial aid to Ukraine during his tenure as prime minister, charged Mr. Farage with echoing the falsehoods propagated by Putin.

Mr. Johnson was replying to a piece Mr. Farage authored in The Telegraph, where he reiterated the statements he made during his BBC interview.

Circulating the piece about X, Mr. Johnson commented: "This piece is revolting, historically inaccurate nonsense and just more propaganda from the Kremlin. Putin was not provoked. No one 'poked the bear with a stick'."

In 1991, the Ukrainian population decisively chose to establish their nation as sovereign and independent. They had every right to pursue membership in both NATO and the European Union.

The sole individual accountable for Russia's hostile actions towards Ukraine in both 2014 and 2022 is Putin. Attempting to distribute the fault is ethically offensive and simply echoes Putin’s falsehoods.

Speaking to his followers in Kent, Mr. Farage stated, "Maybe it's actually Boris Johnson who is morally repugnant, not me. Do you notice the staggering hypocrisy here? Do you see how absurd all this is?"

He described Mr. Johnson as potentially the "poorest performing prime minister in recent history," accusing him of squandering a substantial "80 seat majority" and disappointing the electorate that backed Brexit.

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Mr. Farage reiterated his stance that the West instigated the conflict in Ukraine, noting that he had predicted this scenario as far back as 2014.

"I stood alone in my prediction back in 2014 that Ukraine would face war," he stated. "Those words are irrevocable, and I have no desire to retract them."

"My greater foresight compared to other political figures is not something I intend to apologize for."

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In response to allegations that he had shielded Mr. Putin, Mr. Farage stated that he would "never, ever defend" the Russian leader.

"He said, "It's been portrayed as 'Farage makes scandalous remarks,' 'Farage backs Putin' – but I haven't done any of that."

"I absolutely do not support Putin and I find his actions in Ukraine and other places to be utterly deplorable."

He continued, "However, if we aim to achieve peace sometime soon, it could be beneficial to first comprehend the initial causes of the conflict."

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The Conservative Party, currently embroiled in controversy regarding wagers made on the timing of the election, has attempted to leverage remarks made by Mr. Farage concerning Mr. Putin and the Ukraine invasion to their advantage.

Rishi Sunak reiterated today that Mr Farage's assertion "serves Putin's interests."

"He mentioned Nigel Farage's comments on Ukraine during the unveiling of the Scottish Conservatives' manifesto in Edinburgh."

"This falls in favor of Putin. Such conciliation poses a threat to the security of Britain and our allied nations that depend on us, and will only serve to empower Putin further."

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