What US Support Means for Ukraine
In a Washington-recorded episode of the School of War podcast, former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson made the case that American backing is irreplaceable for Ukraine. Without the United States, he argued, Ukraine would not be an independent nation today. Johnson pointed to intelligence sharing, the Starlink satellite system, and other forms of assistance as key pillars that allow Ukraine to resist aggression. He called the US an “arsenal of democracy,” saying that this support is what keeps Ukraine going.
When Aid Was Frozen
Johnson also revisited the March 2025 episode when then-President Donald Trump suspended aid to Ukraine for a week. During that time, weapons deliveries through the Rzeszow hub were halted and intelligence sharing was cut off. Support resumed after talks in Jeddah, yet free aid packages have all but disappeared since then. According to Johnson, European nations are now the ones paying for American-made weapons for Ukraine.
He further noted that US intelligence assists Kyiv in planning strikes on Russian oil refineries, including one near Moscow. Johnson urged Americans not to surrender their leadership role, stressing that Washington has everything needed to put pressure on the Kremlin, including the arsenal-of-democracy status and a ready-made sanctions law.
“No matter how much the White House and everyone else are faulted for their handling of Ukraine, without the US Ukraine would not be an independent country today,” Johnson said.
Johnson’s remarks highlight just how decisive American military and intelligence support has been in Ukraine’s fight against Russian aggression. With geopolitical tensions running high, US backing remains vital not only for Ukraine’s security but also for broader stability across Europe. His comments reflect growing concern about the future of Western commitment and how shifts in aid policy can reshape the course of the conflict.