Volodymyr Zelensky, Emmanuel Macron and Sir Keir Starmer have pressed for a ceasefire (Image: Getty)
Boris Johnson has issued a rallying cry against the “cruel and criminal” war waged by Putin’s Russia against Ukraine. As European leaders gathered in Kyiv, just days after marking 80 years since Victory in Europe Day, the former Tory leader likened the Russian leader to Adolf Hitler, and urged Britain and its allies to seize Russia’s $300billion (￡225bn) in frozen assets and back a new round of sanctions.
Pressing Brits to stand strong with a “heroic” Ukraine as Volodymyr Zelensky's nation resists the invasion, he warned that Putin “will not stop the violence until he has no alternative”.
Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT
Amazon Is Losing Millions as Shoppers Cancel Prime Over ThisKarma Shopping | Sponsored Sponsored
Read More
Undo
DON'T MISS
Powered by
Russian propaganda labels UK 'a nation of freaks and degenerates' in latest WW3 threat
91 Comments
Donald Trump, NATO and two lessons UK must learn as we commemorate VE Day
6 Comments
Putin humiliated as Victory Day parade scrapped in Crimea after ￡35m jet destroyed
45 Comments
24 hours of chaos in Russia as Ukraine unleashes huge attack before Victory Day parade
12 Comments
Keir Starmer to warn of parallels with the Second World War in major defence speech
39 Comments
Rachel Reeves is so out of her depth she's turned the UK into 1 giant closing down sale
8 Comments
Keir Starmer humiliation as damning poll reveals third of voters 'regret' voting Labour
65 Comments
Labour sent huge warning over risk of 'falling further behind' with key policy pledge
79 Comments
UK warned 'hundreds of millions' more migrants will head to Britain - 'this will stop it'
488 Comments
Keir Starmer must be world's worst negotiator - he's just stitched up every UK business
132 Comments
Fixing Britain's potholes is a top demand of Reform UK voters - but not Labour supporters
15 Comments
Kemi Badenoch 'struggling' - but replacing her with Boris would be 'a sign of desperation'
75 Comments
Shock moment Labour minister refuses to acknowledge US trade deal as 'Brexit benefit'
150 Comments
Keir Starmer can stop crowing about Trump deal - he's proved he's world's worst negotiator
251 Comments
Seniors Can Get High-Speed Wi-Fi for $10 in These Zip Codes (Check Now)High-Speed Wi-Fi | Sponsored Sponsored
Undo
Keir Starmer embarrassed in GB News ‘breaking' report as host issues scathing verdict
3 Comments
European leaders get behind Trump's ceasefire plans as they issue 3-word demand to Putin
71 Comments
These Hearing Aids Shock Doctors & Disrupt MarketsPrime Sound | Sponsored Sponsored
Learn More
Undo
Humiliation for Putin as Ukrainian troops smash through Russian border ahead of VE Day
16 Comments
Moscow on alert as Ukrainian drones strike ahead of Victory Day parade
15 Comments
Compare 2025’s High-Interest Savings Accounts TodayNerdWallet | Sponsored Sponsored
Learn More
Undo
Russia war parade LIVE: Trump explodes at Russia as Putin prepares huge show of force
87 Comments
Russian residents terrified over looming Ukrainian strike threat on military parade
6 Comments
Seniors Born 1941-1979 Receive 55 Benefits This Month if They AskWalletJump | Sponsored Sponsored
Learn More
Undo
Russian propaganda labels UK 'a nation of freaks and degenerates' in latest WW3 threat
91 Comments
Donald Trump, NATO and two lessons UK must learn as we commemorate VE Day
6 Comments
Ophthalmologist: Macular Degeneration Blur NEW DiscoveryVision Enhance | Sponsored Sponsored
Undo
Putin humiliated as Victory Day parade scrapped in Crimea after ￡35m jet destroyed
45 Comments
24 hours of chaos in Russia as Ukraine unleashes huge attack before Victory Day parade
12 Comments
Why I Finally Replaced My Electric Toothbrush After 5 YearsTaoclean | Sponsored Sponsored
Learn More
Undo
Keir Starmer to warn of parallels with the Second World War in major defence speech
39 Comments
Rachel Reeves is so out of her depth she's turned the UK into 1 giant closing down sale
8 Comments
Here’s the Cost of a 6-Hour Clog-Free Gutter UpgradeHomeBuddy | Sponsored Sponsored
Learn More
Undo
Keir Starmer humiliation as damning poll reveals third of voters 'regret' voting Labour
65 Comments
Labour sent huge warning over risk of 'falling further behind' with key policy pledge
79 Comments
Discover Effortless Glucose Monitoring: Request a Free TrialDexcom | Sponsored Sponsored
Click Here
Undo
UK warned 'hundreds of millions' more migrants will head to Britain - 'this will stop it'
488 Comments
Keir Starmer must be world's worst negotiator - he's just stitched up every UK business
132 Comments
Suffering From Osteoarthritis? Former Celtics Doctor's 7-Second Approachthepainreport | Sponsored Sponsored
Learn More
Undo
Fixing Britain's potholes is a top demand of Reform UK voters - but not Labour supporters
15 Comments
Kemi Badenoch 'struggling' - but replacing her with Boris would be 'a sign of desperation'
75 Comments
This Drugstore Wrinkle Cream Has Bargain Hunters Buying 3 At A TimeLift & Firm | Sponsored Sponsored
Undo
Shock moment Labour minister refuses to acknowledge US trade deal as 'Brexit benefit'
150 Comments
Keir Starmer can stop crowing about Trump deal - he's proved he's world's worst negotiator
251 Comments
Keir Starmer embarrassed in GB News ‘breaking' report as host issues scathing verdict
3 Comments
European leaders get behind Trump's ceasefire plans as they issue 3-word demand to Putin
71 Comments
Humiliation for Putin as Ukrainian troops smash through Russian border ahead of VE Day
16 Comments
Moscow on alert as Ukrainian drones strike ahead of Victory Day parade
15 Comments
Russia war parade LIVE: Trump explodes at Russia as Putin prepares huge show of force
87 Comments
Russian residents terrified over looming Ukrainian strike threat on military parade
6 Comments
Russian propaganda labels UK 'a nation of freaks and degenerates' in latest WW3 threat
91 Comments
Donald Trump, NATO and two lessons UK must learn as we commemorate VE Day
6 Comments
Putin humiliated as Victory Day parade scrapped in Crimea after ￡35m jet destroyed
45 Comments
24 hours of chaos in Russia as Ukraine unleashes huge attack before Victory Day parade
12 Comments
Keir Starmer to warn of parallels with the Second World War in major defence speech
39 Comments
Rachel Reeves is so out of her depth she's turned the UK into 1 giant closing down sale
8 Comments
Keir Starmer humiliation as damning poll reveals third of voters 'regret' voting Labour
65 Comments
Mr Johnson told the Sunday Express: “We need finally to put the squeeze on Putin and we need to show him once and for all that he will never conquer Ukraine.”
The former Prime Minister’s intervention comes at a crucial stage in the war, with Sir Keir Starmer yesterday joining fellow European leaders in Kyiv to push Russia to agree to a 30-day ceasefire. He travelled by train with French President Emmanuel Macron and newly appointed German Chancellor Friedrich Merz.
Powered By
00:00/01:48
10 Sec
273K
15
Conservative Conference: Do members miss Boris Johnson?
Next
Stay
Sir Keir warned that if Putin “turns his back on peace” then Russia will face ramped up sanctions and Ukraine will receive increased military aid.
Sponsored
NeuroMD | Sponsored Sponsored
Learn More
Don't Let Sciatica or Back Pain Take Over You - Take Control
Undo
The Prime Minister told the Sunday Express the “battle lines of Ukraine are the frontlines for our values and our freedoms”.
He said: “We will not hesitate to defend our democracy, stand tall alongside our allies, and show the world, once again, that Britain is a country that will always stand up to tyranny.”
Sir Keir and his Ukrainian, French, German and Polish counterparts spoke to US President Donald Trump to update them on the joint push for a breakthrough. Mr Trump has promised “further sanctions” from the US and “partners” if any ceasefire is struck and then not respected.
The PM took inspiration from the VE Day celebrations, telling Sunday Express readers: “It’s so important to celebrate and remember VE Day because we didn’t just win victory for Britain in 1945. We won a battle against the forces of tyranny, oppression and hatred.
“I met brave veterans this week who told me how much their generation sacrificed. The best way we can honour their memory today is to stand firm again against anyone that seeks to threaten the peace that was hard fought and hard won.”
Don't miss...
I was in the room when Keir Starmer laid down his challenge to Putin [LATEST]
The tiny landlocked country that could be next on Putin's 'destruction' hit list [LATEST]
Poll shows Sir Keir Starmer at 'turning point' as war leader [LATEST]
'Keir Starmer has gone from Clark Kent to Superman but faces his biggest test' [LATEST]
Former Tory leader Mr Johnson pushed for a long-term commitment to Ukraine’s security, saying: “We need to show that we will sincerely back President Trump’s peace plan with British and other European forces. We need a 10-year plan to supply the Ukrainians with weapons from the West to make that country invulnerable to further attack.
“That is the only way to bring peace to Ukraine.”
Mr Zelensky said the leaders’ conversation with the US President had been “positive and concrete”.
He said: “I am grateful to President Trump. We share a common view: an immediate, full and unconditional ceasefire is needed for at least 30 days.
“We propose it begin on Monday, May 12. We are waiting for Russia’s response.”
The gathering of European leaders in Kyiv contrasted with the VE Day commemorations in Moscow. There, the Russian autocrat was joined by China’s Xi Jinping and leaders from Brazil, Venezuela, Serbia and Slovakia.
Sir Keir said “all of us here, together with US, are calling Putin out”.
Don't miss...
Russia economy meltdown as exports to China plummet in fresh blow for Putin [LATEST]
European leaders back Trump's ceasefire plans and issue Putin three-word demand [LATEST]
Putin plotting huge strike on Kyiv 'at any time' as Starmer arrives in Ukraine [LATEST]
I'm on Ukraine's frontline - one thing Trump, Starmer and Vance don't get [LATEST]
Sir Keir Starmer in Kyiv on Saturday (Image: Getty)
Sir Keir Starmer's message to Express readers
Eighty years ago the nation poured out onto the streets to celebrate VE Day. This week, crowds gathered again up and down the country.
The bunting was hung, bonfires were lit, and people toasted the greatest generation, who secured the greatest victory in the history of this nation.
It's so important to celebrate and remember VE day because we didn't just win victory for Britain in 1945. We won a battle against the forces of tyranny, oppression and hatred.
I met brave veterans this week who told me how much their generation sacrificed. The best way we can honour their memory today is to stand firm again against anyone that seeks to threaten the peace that was hard fought and hard won.
So I'm proud to be in Kyiv this weekend with international allies, standing shoulder to shoulder with President Zelensky in their fight against Russian aggression. The battle lines of Ukraine are the frontlines for our values and our freedoms.
We will not hesitate to defend our democracy, stand tall alongside our allies, and show the world, once again, that Britain is a country that will always stand up to tyranny.
SUBSCRIBE Invalid email
We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
Trending
Justin Crump of the Sibylline strategic risk group said the visit by the European statesmen was significant.
“I think the timing for this visit, on the day after Putin showed off a collection of world leaders at his Victory Day parade, is notable,” he said.
“There are many reasons to show a strong force in Ukraine, and there have been large delegations visiting before – though this is the first that Starmer has led, and it shows our role in building the alliance.
“Britain is leading the donor group now, equipping the Ukrainians, and is driving their special forces operations. We are even targeting for them.”
He called reports that Starmer had managed to persuade Trump to have more sympathy with Ukraine’s case “believable”.
DON'T MISS
Powered by
Russian propaganda labels UK 'a nation of freaks and degenerates' in latest WW3 threat
91 Comments
Donald Trump, NATO and two lessons UK must learn as we commemorate VE Day
6 Comments
Putin humiliated as Victory Day parade scrapped in Crimea after ￡35m jet destroyed
45 Comments
24 hours of chaos in Russia as Ukraine unleashes huge attack before Victory Day parade
12 Comments
Keir Starmer to warn of parallels with the Second World War in major defence speech
39 Comments
Rachel Reeves is so out of her depth she's turned the UK into 1 giant closing down sale
8 Comments
Keir Starmer humiliation as damning poll reveals third of voters 'regret' voting Labour
65 Comments
Labour sent huge warning over risk of 'falling further behind' with key policy pledge
79 Comments
UK warned 'hundreds of millions' more migrants will head to Britain - 'this will stop it'
488 Comments
Keir Starmer must be world's worst negotiator - he's just stitched up every UK business
132 Comments
Fixing Britain's potholes is a top demand of Reform UK voters - but not Labour supporters
15 Comments
Kemi Badenoch 'struggling' - but replacing her with Boris would be 'a sign of desperation'
75 Comments
Shock moment Labour minister refuses to acknowledge US trade deal as 'Brexit benefit'
150 Comments
Keir Starmer can stop crowing about Trump deal - he's proved he's world's worst negotiator
251 Comments
Victoria Principal At 75, Brace Yourself Before You See Her.Wikiest | Sponsored Sponsored
Learn More
Undo
Keir Starmer embarrassed in GB News ‘breaking' report as host issues scathing verdict
3 Comments
European leaders get behind Trump's ceasefire plans as they issue 3-word demand to Putin
71 Comments
Chuck Norris: I Avoid These 3 Foods Like The PlagueRoundhouse Provisions | Sponsored Sponsored
Learn More
Undo
Humiliation for Putin as Ukrainian troops smash through Russian border ahead of VE Day
16 Comments
Moscow on alert as Ukrainian drones strike ahead of Victory Day parade
15 Comments
Men's Casual Non-Slip Breath Walking & Driving Shoes-70% OFFOrthopeFeet？ | Sponsored Sponsored
Shop Now
Undo
Russia war parade LIVE: Trump explodes at Russia as Putin prepares huge show of force
87 Comments
Russian residents terrified over looming Ukrainian strike threat on military parade
6 Comments
Experts Tested 17 Hearing Aids. Their #1 Pick Will Shock Youhear.com | Sponsored Sponsored
Undo
Russian propaganda labels UK 'a nation of freaks and degenerates' in latest WW3 threat
91 Comments
Donald Trump, NATO and two lessons UK must learn as we commemorate VE Day
6 Comments
Amazon's Best Spring Dresses (And Most Are on Sale)Country Living | Sponsored Sponsored
Undo
Putin humiliated as Victory Day parade scrapped in Crimea after ￡35m jet destroyed
45 Comments
24 hours of chaos in Russia as Ukraine unleashes huge attack before Victory Day parade
12 Comments
$99 Hearing Aids Better Than $2500 Ones?Senior Vitality Magazine | Sponsored Sponsored
Undo
Keir Starmer to warn of parallels with the Second World War in major defence speech
39 Comments
Rachel Reeves is so out of her depth she's turned the UK into 1 giant closing down sale
8 Comments
If You Drink Almond Milk Everyday, This Is What HappensGundry MD | Sponsored Sponsored
Learn More
Undo
Keir Starmer humiliation as damning poll reveals third of voters 'regret' voting Labour
65 Comments
Labour sent huge warning over risk of 'falling further behind' with key policy pledge
79 Comments
Here's What it Costs To Replace All Windows in An Average HouseSmart Lifestyle Trends | Sponsored Sponsored
Learn More
Undo
UK warned 'hundreds of millions' more migrants will head to Britain - 'this will stop it'
488 Comments
Keir Starmer must be world's worst negotiator - he's just stitched up every UK business
132 Comments
New Prostate Report Now Released. See Which Pills Work and Which Don't. Read Hansen's New Reportprostatehealthstrategies | Sponsored Sponsored
Learn More
Undo
Fixing Britain's potholes is a top demand of Reform UK voters - but not Labour supporters
15 Comments
Kemi Badenoch 'struggling' - but replacing her with Boris would be 'a sign of desperation'
75 Comments
7 Ways to Retire Comfortably With $1MFisher Investments | Sponsored Sponsored
Learn More
Undo
Shock moment Labour minister refuses to acknowledge US trade deal as 'Brexit benefit'
150 Comments
Keir Starmer can stop crowing about Trump deal - he's proved he's world's worst negotiator
251 Comments
Keir Starmer embarrassed in GB News ‘breaking' report as host issues scathing verdict
3 Comments
European leaders get behind Trump's ceasefire plans as they issue 3-word demand to Putin
71 Comments
Humiliation for Putin as Ukrainian troops smash through Russian border ahead of VE Day
16 Comments
Moscow on alert as Ukrainian drones strike ahead of Victory Day parade
15 Comments
Russia war parade LIVE: Trump explodes at Russia as Putin prepares huge show of force
87 Comments
Russian residents terrified over looming Ukrainian strike threat on military parade
6 Comments
Russian propaganda labels UK 'a nation of freaks and degenerates' in latest WW3 threat
91 Comments
Donald Trump, NATO and two lessons UK must learn as we commemorate VE Day
6 Comments
Putin humiliated as Victory Day parade scrapped in Crimea after ￡35m jet destroyed
45 Comments
24 hours of chaos in Russia as Ukraine unleashes huge attack before Victory Day parade
12 Comments
Keir Starmer to warn of parallels with the Second World War in major defence speech
39 Comments
Rachel Reeves is so out of her depth she's turned the UK into 1 giant closing down sale
8 Comments
Keir Starmer humiliation as damning poll reveals third of voters 'regret' voting Labour
65 Comments
How to: Get 30% off Zepbound and Semaglutides!G Plans
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Links Sponsored Links
Promoted Links Promoted Links
Seniors Born 1941-1979 Receive 12+ Benefits This Month if They AskUSWalletSaver
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Links Sponsored Links
Promoted Links Promoted Links
See Why Women Are Raving About This New Eye Bag RemoverRenewaSkin
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Links Sponsored Links
Promoted Links Promoted Links
What Experts Are Now Saying About Blood Sugartechnicalinstitute
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Links Sponsored Links
Promoted Links Promoted Links
“I don’t know whether Trump has completely changed his mind on Russia and Ukraine, but there has been progress,” he said. “It’s going to require persistence and long-term effort and engagement to shift his mind – and keep it there.
“The British and the French strategy with Trump has been to flatter, engage, gradually persuade and cajole. They’ve been working steadily to point out that the Russians aren’t really serious about peace, that they could stop if they wanted to, and that Trump has given them chances.
“And whatever Starmer’s faults may or may not be, he’s a very good barrister – good at presenting arguments, seeing other points of view, and using it. That’s what his skill set is beyond politics.”
Boris Johnson marking the first anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2023 (Image: Ian Vogler / Daily Mirror)
Boris Johnson's rallying cry in the Express
Eighty years after the allies victory in Europe the continent is at war again - and the echoes of history are unmistakable
Like Adolf Hitler the Russian leader has launched a cruel, criminal and absolutely unjustified attack on his neighbour.
Like Hitler Putin has tried to justify his aggression with bogus history and a false narrative about oppressed ethnic minorities.
Like Hitler his real intention is just to extinguish a neighbouring state.
Like Hitler he will not stop the violence until he has no alternative.
The Ukrainian resistance over the last three years has been heroic.
They have shown that they can and will win.
But President Zelenskyy and his country still need our support.
It is time for Europeans to back the secondary sanctions package now before the US senate and seize Putin’s 300 billion dollars of frozen assets.
We need to show that we will sincerely back President Trump’s peace plan with British and other European forces.
We need a 10 year plan to supply the Ukrainians with weapons from the west to make that country invulnerable to further attack.
That is the only way to bring peace to Ukraine.
We need finally to put the squeeze on Putin.
And we need to show him once and for all that he will never conquer Ukraine.