Ukraine war: Russia’s invasion ‘opens a new chapter’ in history, PM says as Britain signs deal to protect Sweden and Finland | World News
Boris Johnson said Russia’s invasion of Ukraine “opened a new chapter” in post-Cold War history by agreeing defense treaties with Sweden and Finland.
The Prime Minister visited Stockholm and Helsinki to sign agreements, which said the UK would support Sweden and Finland if they were attacked, and vice versa if the UK was attacked.
Speaking in Helsinki, Mr Johnson said aid to Ukraine and the support pledged to Sweden and Finland were key to countering Russian President Vladimir Putin, otherwise “this won’t be the end”. for his neo-imperialist revisionist ambitions”.
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Boris Johnson signed an agreement with Finnish president Sauli Niinisto
Stressed about his reasons for supporting Ukraine while people in the UK are suffering from a crisis in the cost of living, the Prime Minister pledged that “of course, more support will be available in the coming months”.
But Mr Johnson added: “It would be a big, huge mistake to think that the economic answer is for Putin to get rid of his barbaric behavior in Ukraine.”
The Prime Minister gave a speech at a press conference alongside Finnish President Sauli Niinisto.
It comes as both Sweden and Finland consider joining NATO amid Russia’s continued military aggression in Ukraine.
It could be seen as a provocative act by the Kremlin, but Mr. Niinisto firmly blames the Russians for becoming more aggressive when they insist on the right of states to neutrality – and for showing them how. “ready to attack a neighboring country”.
“My reaction is that you caused this – look in the mirror.”
Mr. Johnson also visited Magdalena Andersson, Prime Minister of Sweden. Photo: Andrew Parsons / Number 10 Downing Street
Mr Johnson said it was a “critical moment” in the shared history of the UK and Finland.
He added: “The Russian invasion of Ukraine has changed the European security equation and it has rewritten our reality and reshaped our future.
“We have seen the end of the post-Cold War era and the invasion of Ukraine has sadly opened a new chapter.
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“Finland is traditionally neutral but this [agreement] is formalizing and clarifying something that needs to be articulated in today’s context.
“That is, in the event that either of us is attacked, we will support each other.”
