Boris Johnson Advocates for Donald Trump’s Mineral Agreement with Ukraine

Johnson Sees Progress in U.S.-Ukraine Agreement Negotiations

Former U.K. Prime Minister Boris Johnson believes the current negotiations between the United States and Ukraine could provide a key political win for Donald Trump, helping him reassure Republican skeptics of U.S. aid to Kyiv.

Speaking about the latest draft of the agreement, Johnson emphasized that it now clearly commits the U.S. to supporting a “free, sovereign, and secure Ukraine.”

In a brief comment to POLITICO, Johnson also confirmed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s statement from earlier in the day—that a previous $500 billion compensation demand from Ukraine has been removed from the latest version of the deal. “Ukrainians negotiated quite well,” Johnson remarked during a conference appearance.

The final stages of the agreement appear to be taking shape, according to Ukrainian officials. On Monday, Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Justice Olga Stefanishyna stated on social media that negotiations regarding the minerals agreement were nearing completion. “The discussions have been very constructive, with nearly all key details finalized. We are committed to completing this swiftly to proceed with its signature,” she wrote.

Meanwhile, in the U.K., Johnson’s role in advocating for the deal raised some questions. Since he no longer holds political office, some have wondered in what capacity he is acting as a key supporter of the agreement. When asked about Johnson’s involvement, a spokesperson for Labour Prime Minister Keir Starmer did not provide details but reiterated the government’s commitment to supporting Ukraine.

Since leaving office, Johnson has actively lobbied Trump and other U.S. Republicans to maintain Washington’s support for Ukraine. Additionally, he has criticized European leaders for what he calls “headless chicken-ism” in responding to Trump’s proposals regarding the war. Johnson has also suggested that some of Trump’s more controversial statements on the conflict are primarily intended to pressure Europe into taking greater action.