Johnson: Russian victory in Ukraine a 'realistic possibility'
The UK prime minister, Boris Johnson, has been speaking to reporters at a press conference in New Delhi. Johnson was asked what pressure he has exerted on India – and what more he will exert – to stand up to Russia over its invasion of Ukraine.
Johnson said India has “come out and been very strong in their language about what’s happened in Bucha”.
He acknowledged that a Russian military victory in Ukraine is a “realistic possibility”, adding:
Putin has a huge army. [But] he has a very difficult political position because he’s made a catastrophic blunder.
The only option he now has really is to continue to try to use his his appalling, grinding approach – led by artillery – trying to grind the Ukrainians down. And he’s very close to securing a land bridge in Mariupol.
The situation is “unpredictable” at this stage, Johnson said. But what we’ve also seen is the incredible heroism of the Ukrainians and their willingness to fight.
And I’ll tell you something: I think, no matter what military superiority Vladimir Putin may be able to bring to bear in the next few months – and I agree it could be it could be a long period, he will not be able to conquer the spirit of the Ukrainian people.
He added:
We’ve got to look at what more we can do militarily. We’ve got to keep intensifying the economic sanctions. And that’s what we’re doing. We want to make sure that there is wave after wave of intensifying pressure on on Putin.
He acknowledged that a Russian military victory in Ukraine is a “realistic possibility”, adding:
Putin has a huge army. [But] he has a very difficult political position because he’s made a catastrophic blunder.
The only option he now has really is to continue to try to use his his appalling, grinding approach – led by artillery – trying to grind the Ukrainians down. And he’s very close to securing a land bridge in Mariupol.
The situation is “unpredictable” at this stage, Johnson said. But what we’ve also seen is the incredible heroism of the Ukrainians and their willingness to fight.
And I’ll tell you something: I think, no matter what military superiority Vladimir Putin may be able to bring to bear in the next few months – and I agree it could be it could be a long period, he will not be able to conquer the spirit of the Ukrainian people.
He added:
We’ve got to look at what more we can do militarily. We’ve got to keep intensifying the economic sanctions. And that’s what we’re doing. We want to make sure that there is wave after wave of intensifying pressure on on Putin.