Brexit, Freedom, and Ukrainian Battlers: Johnson’s Controversial Comparison
At a packed Conservative Party conference in London, Prime Minister Boris Johnson compared the UK’s split over Brexit to the Ukrainian fight against Russia. With Ukraine’s ambassador in attendance, Johnson declared that “the instinct of British people, like Ukrainians, is to pick freedom.” The speech hit a nerve, showing up as tasteless by many critics.
Why Johnson Makes the Buckle‑Shaking Comparison
Johnson’s main point: the Brit’s vote to exit the EU wasn’t about hating foreigners, but about freedom of choice and shaping their own destiny. He cited the 2016 referendum, which saw 52% voting “Leave” against 48% for “Remain.” He pushed the point further, suggesting that the UK’s path to independence mirrors how Ukrainians desire independence from Russian control.
- “It’s not about hostility to immigrants; it’s about wanting to do things our own way.”
- “We decided, ourselves, to run this country differently.”
On the same day, Ukraine formally requested EU membership—just four days after the surge of Russian troops. Meanwhile, UN reports estimate 816 Ukrainian civilians, including 36 children, have been killed ever since the invasion began.
Opposition’s Take and Ambassador’s Response
Labour MP Chris Bryant blasted Johnson’s remarks as “utterly depraved,” pointing out Ukraine’s aspirations to join the EU and highlighting the broader EU’s sense of freedom. “Ukrainians want to jump on the free train, just like people in France and Spain,” he charged.
Johnson’s Take on Russia
Johnson called Russian President Vladimir Putin “terrified” that a democratic Ukraine would threaten his authoritarian rule. He warned that any attempt to smooth ties with Putin—like the 2014 “reset”—would repeat the same grave mistake.
Moscow, whereas, labels its actions a “special operation” aimed at crippling Ukraine’s military and erasing perceived nationalist threats. Ukrainian forces, aggressively resisting, and Western sanctions press Russia to retreat.
Bottom Line
Johnson’s speech forces us to question whether the fight for freedom—whether in a political referendum or a battlefield—can sometimes be colorfully, but possibly crudely, compared. While the UK’s choice to leave the EU can be seen as a quest for autonomy, equating it to a war for sovereignty raises serious ethical and political eyebrows. The conversation around these parallels is still heating up, and it’s clear both sides are fed up with the other’s approach.
