British PM Boris Johnson says Ukrainians will put up 'bloody resistance' if Russia invades

Russia presents a "clear and present danger," Johnson said.
Ukrainian Military Forces troop, Jan. 22, 2021
By Madeleine Hubbard

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson gave a speech in Kyiv on Tuesday with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, in which he said that Russia presents a "clear and present danger," but Ukrainians will "put up a very, very fierce and bloody resistance" in the event of an incursion.

Johnson visited the eastern European nation during a tense time both in the U.K. and internationally. Johnson is facing calls to step down after reports surfaced in January that he held parties in 10 Downing Street during COVID lockdowns. Pentagon spokesman John Kirby warned Tuesday that Russian President Vladimir Putin "has enough capability to move now if he wants to" invade Ukraine. 

Zelensky and Johnson discussed "ongoing Russian hostile activity, including military build-up," the Prime Minister's office stated. "The two leaders emphasised that it is the right of every Ukrainian to determine their own future."

Johnson told reporters at a press conference with Zelensky that Putin is "holding a gun… to the head of Ukraine." 

"This is a clear and present danger, and we see large numbers of troops massing. We see preparations for all kinds of operations that are consistent with an imminent military campaign," he said.

The U.K. has trained more than 22,000 Ukrainian service members and given £2.2 million of non-lethal military supplies to Ukraine. Johnson said announced that the U.K. would provide £88 million in support to Ukraine.

"There are 200,000 men and women under arms in Ukraine. They will put up a very, very fierce and bloody resistance. And I think that parents, mothers in Russia should reflect on that fact," Johnson said. "I hope very much that President Putin steps back from the path of conflict and that we engage in dialogue."

He emphasized that if Putin invades, as an ally of Ukraine, the U.K. will sanction Russia and provide military and economic support to Ukraine.  

Ukraine is organizing civilian militias to fight Russian troops, if necessary.