Johnson ditches the North in favour of Ukraine

Really, what do you think he was doing there? Showing them how to use Kalashnikovs? Leaders of countries don't drop everything to visit leaders of other friendly countries for talks, even in time of war. I do not believe that there is anything so urgent that it needs Johnson to put on his suit and fly to Ukraine at an hour's notice. Nothing.

As there is still the possibility of this war escalating, I can see why various European leaders including Mr,Johnson have visited President Zelensky this week.

Some negotiations are far too sensitive to be carried out electronically, Russia is capable of cyber spying and carrying out a cyber attack

rosie1959

We actually don’t know if he had to go in person or not I have no doubt for security reasons there is much that is not made public

Yes Rosie1959 we none of us know, or will indeed ever find out, why visits are rescheduled or cancelled, or why flight tickets under different names aren't used etc. However, I do know that what little I am told about such occurrences by those who really know on the job is true.

I’m with Joan Bakewell on this.

Johnson should have gone to Doncaster.

There is nothing wrong with the U.K. giving as much support as is sensible to Ukraine, and Zelensky is looking for support from any country that will give it.

But there is a vast difference between the two men.

Zelensky is doing everything he can for his country.

Johnson is doing everything he can for Johnson.

We actually don’t know if he had to go in person or not I have no doubt for security reasons there is much that is not made public

Zoejory

NanKate

I’m with you Smileless The people of Ukraine are being bombed, raped, murdered so they need all the help they can get as soon as possible.

Hopefully BJ will visit Doncaster soon.

Quite agree. I'm sure people from Doncaster understand that their issues are less pressing than Zelenskyy's

So what good did it do flying there and giving Zelensky a book about the Queen? He doesn’t have to go there in person to provide Ukraine with more help.

And if they told you wolverines made good house pets, would you believe them?

The possibility that the hastily rescheduled visit was an act of risk mitigation should not be overlooked. Timing is everything and threats come on fast and unpredictably. If someone high up deems a PM's visit needs a change of plan, then a decision is made.
I'm not saying I am correct in this instance, but this explanation is as plausible as is the one that he wanted to attend as a PR exercise and autograph signing opportunity.
Constant vigilance, prioritisation and adaptation is how it works.
I am no longer a member of Boris' fan club by the way.

From what I know of Doncaster people I don't think they would have been in the least bit eager to see him.

His appalling bad manners today will just have confirmed their view of him...

I'm sure most of us are now aware that business can be done remotely, even international politics. Zoom, or whatever. So even if there was something that the office of the Prime Minister had to communicate to Pres. Zelensky, that could have been done using the secure channels that have no doubt been set up between Number 10 and Kyiv.

So, the only possible reason for a politician to go to visit Ukraine is to show solidarity, which is obviously a good thing. But what could be so urgent that he had to tell Doncaster he was on his way, then go somewhere else instead?

Nothing. That's what. He was avoiding scrutiny in the UK and making sure the world saw him in Kyiv. It's all PR and avoidance, and as transparent as can be.

I am not a member of Johnson's fan club Rameses quite the opposite.

I guess he has to prioritise and that means letting some down.

NanKate

I’m with you Smileless The people of Ukraine are being bombed, raped, murdered so they need all the help they can get as soon as possible.

Hopefully BJ will visit Doncaster soon.

Quite agree. I'm sure people from Doncaster understand that their issues are less pressing than Zelenskyy's

I’m with you Smileless The people of Ukraine are being bombed, raped, murdered so they need all the help they can get as soon as possible.

Hopefully BJ will visit Doncaster soon.

Smileless2012

Depends on your point of view. He's giving his support in person, to a country being battered by Russia, a country which is being literally flattened and witnessed horrific war crimes.

I'm sure the northern MP's who like the rest of us are living without the threat of annihilation, will have managed without him today.

This is the problem with Johnson's fan club.

What he is doing gives the hard of thinking the impression that he is being the good guy when, in reality, he is showboating (as he always does).

Why could he have not gone on the same day as the EU leaders?

Why did he HAVE to go the day afterwards? Why could he not have gone north today and gone to Ukraine tomorrow?

He is nothing but a shallow populist and opportunist, end of.

Grammaretto

I'm out on a limb here but I cannot imagine how sending more arms to Ukraine is going to help them in the long run.
Diplomacy and negotiation is the only way to stop the whole damned nightmare there.

And do you think Putin is up for that? That would be rather like capitulating to Hitler rather than fight for what we believed and had promised to do.

How do you negotiate with a war criminal? As you say Callistemon where next?

Attempting to defend themselves

I'm out on a limb here but I cannot imagine how sending more arms to Ukraine is going to help them in the long run.

The Ukrainians are attempting themselves and save their country.
They are not the aggressors or invaders.

Where next?

Diplomacy and negotiation is the only way to stop the whole damned nightmare there

How does anyone suggest Ukraine and the West - or indeed anyone - can negotiate in any meaningful and diplomatic way with Putin and Lavrov?

Answers on a postcard.

I'm out on a limb here but I cannot imagine how sending more arms to Ukraine is going to help them in the long run.
Diplomacy and negotiation is the only way to stop the whole damned nightmare there.

Judging by Johnson’s past history Smileless I don’t believe Johnson chooses to do anything that doesn’t boost his overinflated ego.
The North??? Who are they??

Smileless I should think that the Red Wall MP's feel very let down and very angry. Johnson had accepted his invite . According to Sky messages were sent to say he was on his way.
I am sure that Johnson arranged this after the leaders in the EU paid another visit and gave the message that they were in favour of Ukraine joining the EU.
Well I suppose it's one way of avoiding pertinent questions about ethics, about protocols, about cost of living ., about levelling up .

Depends on your point of view. He's giving his support in person, to a country being battered by Russia, a country which is being literally flattened and witnessed horrific war crimes.

I'm sure the northern MP's who like the rest of us are living without the threat of annihilation, will have managed without him today.

CvD66 Exactly! Johnson takes us out of the Europe Union which Ukraine desperately wants to join.