Former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has voiced concerns over German Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s recent conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin, warning it could lead to a revival of the contentious “Normandy Format” talks. Johnson expressed his views on X (formerly Twitter), echoing Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s critique of the call.
In his statement, Johnson warned against a return to the Normandy Format, which involved Germany and France mediating negotiations between Russia and Ukraine in previous years. The framework aimed to address Russia’s aggression and seek a peaceful resolution but often drew criticism for treating the aggressor and the victim as equal parties.
“I am afraid Volodymyr Zelenskyy is completely right. We risk drifting back to the ghastly Franco-German Normandy format which treated Russia and Ukraine as equally valid interlocutors in a domestic squabble,” Johnson said.
Context and Criticism
The Normandy Format was initially established in 2014 after Russia’s annexation of Crimea, involving Ukraine, Russia, Germany, and France in negotiations. Critics, including Johnson, argue that the approach diminished the reality of Ukraine’s victimization by Russia.
Johnson emphasized that Russia’s actions, including its full-scale invasion in February 2022, are the sole cause of the ongoing conflict. “It was Putin who launched the full-scale invasion, while Ukraine is an entirely innocent party,” Johnson noted.
The former UK leader’s remarks follow Scholz’s call with Putin, during which the German chancellor reportedly urged Moscow to withdraw its forces and engage in peace talks with Kyiv. The Kremlin, however, framed the conversation as an opportunity to assert its territorial claims and security concerns.
Broader Reactions
Zelensky also condemned the call, suggesting it undermined the effort to isolate Putin internationally. Johnson’s alignment with Zelensky underscores a broader frustration among Western leaders over diplomatic efforts perceived as lenient toward Moscow.
While Germany remains a significant supporter of Ukraine, contributing billions in aid, Scholz’s actions have faced scrutiny domestically and internationally. Critics fear they may inadvertently lend legitimacy to Russia’s stance, especially as the West debates the future of its support amid political shifts, including Donald Trump’s return to the U.S. presidency.
The concerns raised by Johnson highlight the delicate balance of diplomacy as Ukraine continues its fight against Russian aggression. With frontline challenges mounting and international alliances under strain, leaders like Zelensky and Johnson are calling for unwavering support for Ukraine.