Now, I don’t want to sound overly dramatic, but I believe it might be time for BBB – Bring Back Boris. As the US President, Donald Trump, continues his alarming quest for power, trampling over the struggles of Ukraine to strike a deal with Russian President Vladimir Putin, could Boris Johnson be the last hope for the world to steer Trump towards reason? Because right now, reason seems to be in short supply in the Oval Office. Instead, we see an abundance of machismo, ego, and erratic behavior.
During the US election campaign, Trump famously proclaimed that he could end the Ukraine war in a mere 24 hours, exclaiming, “I want them to stop dying. And I’ll have that done.” However, now that he is in office, his actions have shifted from grandiose claims to a display of petty cruelty, which has become a hallmark of his administration. Recently, Trump has unjustly labeled Ukraine’s President, Volodymyr Zelensky, as a “dictator without elections,” despite overwhelming evidence that clearly contradicts this notion. Ukraine’s elections have been suspended due to martial law, which has been in effect since Russia’s invasion in February 2022.
Meanwhile, Zelensky and the Ukrainian populace are drained and disillusioned. They feel betrayed, realizing that the US, which they viewed as a crucial ally, appears to be more interested in exploiting the country’s vast mineral resources. What has particularly infuriated Trump in recent days is Ukraine’s refusal to finalize a deal that would grant the US access to half of the nation’s staggering $11.5 trillion (£9 trillion) worth of rare earth minerals.
In response, Zelensky has criticized Trump for echoing Russian propaganda, stating that he “lives in this disinformation space.” This brings us back to Boris Johnson. Trump embodies the quintessential figure who spends far too much time immersed in social media. He engages only with content that reinforces his pre-existing beliefs. One can only imagine what kind of curated feed Trump receives each morning.
Consequently, he, like many others addicted to social media, struggles to differentiate between fact and fiction. He trusts those he favors and distrusts everyone else. This may seem overly simplistic, but it is emblematic of his character. However, Trump has a fondness for Johnson, having reportedly contacted him several times since taking office and referring to him as “a good man.”
On the other hand, the current Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, is skillfully navigating a constructive dialogue with Trump, all while maintaining unwavering support for Kyiv and preserving his integrity. Who would have thought that calling Zelensky a “democratically elected leader,” as Starmer has done, would be seen as a bold move? Yet, it undeniably is.
What would be even bolder would be persuading Johnson to assume the role of a Trump whisperer during this precarious peace process. Johnson possesses significant credibility in Ukraine and can connect with the US President on a personal level. Trump’s recent assertions have misleadingly suggested that Ukraine instigated the war, disregarding the reality of Russia’s unprovoked invasion, which has resulted in the deaths of up to 80,000 troops, countless civilians, and displaced over eight million individuals.
Additionally, Trump has claimed that Zelensky has performed “terribly,” a statement even Putin might contest, considering he believed his assault on Ukraine would be completed “within days.” Johnson, however, has publicly refuted the idea that Ukraine started the conflict, yet he has refrained from directly criticizing Trump, suggesting instead that the President’s remarks “are not intended to be historically accurate, but to shock Europeans into action.”
A key point to emphasize here is that few, except for Johnson, could rationalize how a world leader could use language that is “not intended to be historically accurate.” In another post on Truth Social, Trump wrote: “Think of it, a modestly successful comedian, Volodymyr Zelensky, talked the United States of America into spending $350 Billion Dollars, to go into a War that couldn’t be won, that never had to start, but a War that he, without the US and ‘TRUMP,’ will never be able to settle.”
To address a couple of factual inaccuracies: Zelensky was indeed a popular television star, which significantly contributed to his electoral success; and according to the US special inspector general, America has committed approximately $183 billion to the war effort. However, Trump is correct about one thing: it is difficult to envision a resolution to this conflict without his involvement, especially now that he has invited Putin back into the diplomatic fold.
This situation leaves Zelensky with limited options. One potential lifeline could be placing his trust in Johnson, whom he regards as “a true friend of Ukraine.” Johnson undoubtedly possesses various qualities, albeit none that suited him for the role of Prime Minister. His leadership was marked by shortcomings, including a lack of integrity, attention to detail, strong work ethic, and the resolve to make and follow through on decisions. Yet, he has a knack for campaigning and connects well with people.
Zelensky has been touched by Johnson’s genuine support, while Trump appears to appreciate Johnson’s whimsical English charm that many of us grew weary of back in 2021. In these desperate times, unconventional approaches may be necessary. This could be Johnson’s opportunity to redeem himself in the eyes of the British public, following his dismal performance during the Partygate scandal and beyond. He could serve as a crucial intermediary to help Trump grasp the genuine plight of Ukraine and the opportunistic nature of Russia’s actions.
European leaders may find little value in criticizing Trump’s outrageous behavior; he is unlikely to heed their concerns. Instead, he must be flattered and indulged to even begin to comprehend the underlying message. Yes, Johnson may indeed be the man for this moment.
We are dealing with a thin-skinned narcissist who has a tenuous grip on the truth. It takes one to recognize another.
Alison Phillips was the editor of the Daily Mirror from 2018-2024
