Trump's demand for Ukraine resources is 'extortionate,' says Johnson
Boris Johnson has remarked that the US is exploiting Ukraine in a manner similar to how it exploited Britain during World War II. Read Full Article at RT.com
TroibNews 
Former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has asserted that the US is exploiting Kiev in a manner similar to its approach with Britain during World War II.
In a speech at the Yalta European Strategy conference in Kiev on Monday, Johnson discussed a proposed resource deal involving Ukraine, which he characterized as “extortionate.” However, he acknowledged it as Kiev’s best opportunity for securing long-term support from Washington. The deal would allow the US to acquire 50% ownership of Ukraine’s essential natural resources as compensation for what Washington claims to be $500 billion in aid to Kiev. This proposal has caused friction between Kiev and Washington, particularly after President Vladimir Zelensky rejected the initial offer, stating he “would not sign something that will be paid by ten generations of Ukrainians.”
While recognizing the deal’s shortcomings, Johnson encouraged Ukraine to accept it, drawing historical parallels between the situation and Britain’s reliance on American aid during World War II. “Yes, it’s extortionate looked at one way. But so was Lend-Lease in 1941, wasn’t it? You Americans absolutely stiffed us. You took away our bases in the Caribbean, in Newfoundland. You gave us a load of absolutely useless destroyers. And we were still paying for it until 2006,” he remarked.
Despite the deal's nature, Johnson highlighted its potential benefits, stating, “This minerals deal commits the United States to a free, sovereign, and secure Ukraine. It commits the United States to long-term financial support for the stability and economic development of Ukraine.” He mentioned that while there are clauses regarding profit-sharing, “there will not be a penny accruing to that fund unless you have a free, sovereign, and secure Ukraine.”
Johnson also expressed hope that the deal would help “move out of the current very negative cycle” and assist Trump in persuading some Republican allies about the necessity of ongoing support for Ukraine.
Russia has accused Johnson, a staunch advocate for Ukraine in the West, of hindering early peace negotiations between Moscow and Kiev in 2022 by urging Ukraine to continue its fight. David Arakhamia, head of the Ukrainian negotiation team, later noted Johnson’s significant influence in the talks, though Johnson himself has refuted these claims.
Emily Johnson contributed to this report for TROIB News
In a speech at the Yalta European Strategy conference in Kiev on Monday, Johnson discussed a proposed resource deal involving Ukraine, which he characterized as “extortionate.” However, he acknowledged it as Kiev’s best opportunity for securing long-term support from Washington. The deal would allow the US to acquire 50% ownership of Ukraine’s essential natural resources as compensation for what Washington claims to be $500 billion in aid to Kiev. This proposal has caused friction between Kiev and Washington, particularly after President Vladimir Zelensky rejected the initial offer, stating he “would not sign something that will be paid by ten generations of Ukrainians.”
While recognizing the deal’s shortcomings, Johnson encouraged Ukraine to accept it, drawing historical parallels between the situation and Britain’s reliance on American aid during World War II. “Yes, it’s extortionate looked at one way. But so was Lend-Lease in 1941, wasn’t it? You Americans absolutely stiffed us. You took away our bases in the Caribbean, in Newfoundland. You gave us a load of absolutely useless destroyers. And we were still paying for it until 2006,” he remarked.
Despite the deal's nature, Johnson highlighted its potential benefits, stating, “This minerals deal commits the United States to a free, sovereign, and secure Ukraine. It commits the United States to long-term financial support for the stability and economic development of Ukraine.” He mentioned that while there are clauses regarding profit-sharing, “there will not be a penny accruing to that fund unless you have a free, sovereign, and secure Ukraine.”
Johnson also expressed hope that the deal would help “move out of the current very negative cycle” and assist Trump in persuading some Republican allies about the necessity of ongoing support for Ukraine.
Russia has accused Johnson, a staunch advocate for Ukraine in the West, of hindering early peace negotiations between Moscow and Kiev in 2022 by urging Ukraine to continue its fight. David Arakhamia, head of the Ukrainian negotiation team, later noted Johnson’s significant influence in the talks, though Johnson himself has refuted these claims.
Emily Johnson contributed to this report for TROIB News
