Boris Johnson has branded Vladimir Putin a “f**king idiot” in a frank TV interview, telling the Russian leader his imperial ambitions are finished.
The former British Prime Minister made the remarks during an interview with Estonian news outlet Eesti Ekspress on January 9.
Speaking about Putin’s invasion of Ukraine and threats to Baltic nations, Johnson delivered a stark message to the Kremlin.
“What Putin is doing is archaic and barbaric, and he needs to understand that Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, none of these countries are part of the Russian imperium anymore, and nor is Ukraine,” he said.
Speaking about Putin’s invasion of Ukraine and threats to Baltic nations, Johnson delivered a stark message to the Kremlin
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The ex-PM then emphasised his point with strong language: “It’s over, over, over, over, no more empire Vladimir, you f***ing idiot, excuse my language.”
Johnson drew comparisons with Britain’s own imperial past, noting how nations must accept when times have changed.
Johnson was the first Western leader to visit Ukraine after Russia’s invasion in February 2022, offering support to President Volodymyr Zelensky.
In a BBC documentary, the former PM revealed a threatening exchange with Putin before the war began.
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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky shakes hands with then British Prime Minister Boris Johnson in 2022
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“He threatened me at one point, and he said, ‘Boris, I don’t want to hurt you but, with a missile, it would only take a minute’ or something like that. Jolly,” Johnson recalled.
He believed Putin was “playing along” with negotiation attempts, noting the Russian leader’s “relaxed tone” and “air of detachment”.
The Kremlin denied these allegations and had previously dismissed Johnson as “utterly confused”.
“Russia and President Putin are open to communicating with everyone. Even to someone who is utterly confused, he is prepared to provide exhaustive explanations,” a Kremlin spokesperson said on February 3, 2022.
Russian forces launched their invasion just three weeks later.
Johnson has become a celebrated figure in Ukraine since Russia’s invasion.
The former Conservative leader maintains a close relationship with President Zelensky
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His steadfast support for the country has been recognised by local communities.
In a symbolic gesture, a street near Odessa was renamed from Mayakovsky Street to Boris Johnson Street shortly after the Russian invasion began.
Local officials praised his leadership in supporting Ukraine’s defence.
“The prime minister of the United Kingdom is one of the most principled opponents of the Russian invasion, a leader in sanctions on Russia and defence support for Ukraine,” a council spokesperson said at the time.
The former Conservative leader maintains a close relationship with President Zelensky.
