‘Russia’s fear of freedom led to the invasion’
VLADIMIR PUTIN attacked Ukraine because he feared its freedom and the potential for a revolution in Russia, the Prime Minister has said.
Boris Johnson used his speech at the Conservative Party spring conference to explain why he believes Mr Putin launched his invasion, saying the Russian leader “knew perfectly well” that Ukraine would not join Nato “any time soon”, nor would missiles be stationed in the country.
“I think he was frightened of Ukraine for an entirely different reason,” Mr Johnson said. “He was frightened of Ukraine, because they have a free press and ... free elections.
“And then with every year that Ukraine progressed – not always easily – towards freedom and democracy and open markets, he feared the Ukrainian example. And he feared the implicit reproach to himself.”
The Prime Minister contrasted this with Russia, citing the 15-year jail sentence for anyone who uses “invasion” in relation to Ukraine, and the repression of Putin’s political opponents.
“And it’s precisely because Ukraine and Russia have been so historically close that he has been terrified of the effect of that Ukrainian model on him and on Russia and he’s been in a total panic about a so-called colour revolution in Moscow itself,” he said.
Also at the conference, Foreign Secretary Liz Truss urged Britons to be “proud” of their country and heritage because the only thing Putin understands is strength.
She told delegates: “Our history – warts and all – makes us what we are today. We live in a great country, a great democracy, and we should be proud of it.”