Johnson speaks with Trump on own initiative – Ukraine’s Vice PM

Former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson was acting solely on his own initiative as he discussed Ukraine with the U.S. presidential nominee, Donald Trump. He can afford to do so because he knows the position of Ukrainian people and President Volodymyr Zelensky.

That’s according to Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration, Olha Stefanishyna, who spoke with journalists on Monday, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.

"Former Prime Minister Johnson acts solely on his own initiative. These are his own thoughts. I also think we should appreciate his courage. He nevertheless held a meeting with Trump on his own initiative. I know that he tried to explain Ukraine, the situation of Ukraine. Such a voice is very valuable because he has authority, recognition, and communication with colleagues from the Republican Party,” she said.

Stefanishyna emphasized that Johnson has the right to his opinion, at the same time acting in the best interest of Ukraine.

"He can afford this because he is aware of the position retained by our President, the position of Ukrainians, and he is taking such steps, trying to create a field for discussion," the deputy prime minister added.

As Ukrinform reported earlier, on July 17, Boris Johnson and Donald Trump discussed the issue of support for Ukraine. Wrapping up the meeting, Johnson expressed confidence that the Republican presidential nominee would be able to help end the war in Ukraine as he is aware that the defeat could have huge long-term implications for America and the rest of the world.