Johnson's assessment of the war in Ukraine
Former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said the United States should state plainly that Putin must lose the war in Ukraine. Speaking on the School of War podcast, he argued that Washington has not yet sent that message with enough clarity, leaving Putin unsure whether America is genuinely committed to Ukraine's freedom and independence. His comments come amid broader Western debate over how to keep up the pressure on Russia.
“A much clearer signal from America would be welcome: Putin's defeat is mandatory. From where he sits, Putin is not entirely sure the US stands behind a free and independent Ukraine,” Johnson said.
What the Graham Bill could change
The US Senate gave final approval to the Graham bill in early August. Johnson described it as the toughest sanctions measure the West has produced. The legislation allows the US president to impose tariffs of up to 500% on Russian goods, applies 100% tariffs to the five largest buyers of Russian oil and gas, including China and India, and sanctions Russia's shadow fleet. Johnson sees the bill as a potentially powerful lever against the Kremlin.
But Johnson cautioned that passing the law is only part of the challenge; the key is whether it is used. In his scenario, President Trump would need to show he is not bluffing and demand that Putin withdraw and accept Ukraine as a free country.
Johnson's remarks underline how critical a clear US position on Ukraine is, as it could significantly alter the balance of power in the region. If the Graham bill is actually enforced, Russia could face much heavier economic pressure and be forced to reconsider its aggressive policy. That, in turn, could serve as a signal to other nations supporting Ukraine that more decisive action against Kremlin aggression is required.
As the situation evolves, the recent agreement on new sanctions by the White House with Senator Graham highlights the urgency of a decisive US stance against Russia. This legislative move could amplify the economic pressure on Moscow, further reinforcing the need for clarity in America's commitment to Ukraine's sovereignty.