By Kyiv Post. Published Feb. 2

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson (L) and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky (R) interact in Kyiv on February 1, 2022. (Photo by PETER NICHOLLS / POOL / AFP)Photo by AFP

Whatever challenges and scandals British Prime Minister Boris Johnson may face at home, he has undoubtedly emerged as a European leader with balls. At a time of crisis and when Europe still shows signs of irresoluteness in the face of the relentless threats and duplicitous methods emanating from Russia, he has proved himself to be a true friend of Ukraine.

Most importantly, Johnson has shown that he is no Neville Chamberlain. It will be recalled that it was his predecessor Chamberlain who in 1938, along with France, chose the path of appeasement when confronted with Hitler’s aggression in Europe and who agreed to the carve-up of Czechoslovakia in the name of a self-deluding belief that this would bring “peace in our time.”

Post-Brexit Britain has emerged rather unexpectedly, though very fortunately for Ukraine, as Kyiv’s new reliable strong ally prepared to express support not only in words but in deeds.

The strategic partnership treaty between the two countries located at different ends of Europe signed in November 2020 is clearly not just a token gesture on paper but an agreement that is being actively implemented.

While remaining a key member of NATO, post-Brexit Britain has reasserted its autonomy in foreign policy freeing itself of the restraining influences of Germany and France who are still ever so ready to reach self-serving accommodation with Russia.

London has recognized that Putin cannot be allowed to trample on international norms, threaten and invade his neighbors, kill his opponents in foreign countries, including the UK, and pursue large-scale hybrid warfare designed to undermine the West.

While Berlin and Paris still naively seek to pursue dialogue with Moscow on issues which the latter wants to be approached solely on its terms, London has dispensed with the diplomatic niceties and has adopted an exemplary principled and resolute position.

Its stance, along with those of Ottawa, Warsaw, Tallinn, Vilnius and Prague, has not only nudged Washington, Brussels and others into closing ranks with them but also exposed and shamed those partners who put business interests before those of principles, common values and security, and who even oppose providing Ukraine with weapons to defend itself.

London’s readiness not only to address the Russian menace with action but also to make common strategic cause with the countries on the front line in the east – Ukraine, Poland, and the Baltic states, is commendable and inspiring – an example for others who vacillate, while proclaiming European values, to do what the historical moment and need for solidarity demands of them.

It is post-Brexit Britain that has shown itself to be a robust defender of Europe’s integrity, cohesion and security and we gratefully acknowledge this.