By John Ikani
Former UK Prime Minister, Boris Johnson has disclosed that Russian President Vladimir Putin threatened him with a missile strike in a phone call prior to the invasion of Ukraine.
Details of the heated exchange that took place in February 2022, were made known by Johnson in a recent BBC documentary.
Johnson said he tried to convince Putin against the invasion, warning of Western sanctions and increased NATO presence near Russia’s borders.
However, Putin’s response was not what he expected.
“I don’t want to hurt you, but with a missile, it would only take a minute,” Putin threatened, according to Johnson.
The former Prime Minister called the conversation “very familiar” and “most extraordinary.”
While it’s unclear if Putin’s threat was genuine, given previous Russian attacks on the UK, it’s safe to say Johnson took it seriously.
Despite assurances from the Russian Defense Secretary, UK Defense Secretary Ben Wallace described the meeting as a “demonstration of bullying” and confirmed Russia’s intention to invade Ukraine.
A few weeks later, as tanks rolled over the border, President Zelensky called Johnson in the middle of the night, seeking help.
Johnson offered to move the President to safety, but Zelensky heroically stayed where he was.
