Boris Johnson incorrectly thanked Russian President Vladimir Putin for his “inspiring leadership” rather than Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The gaffe occurred during his first significant contribution as a backbencher since being deposed as prime minister.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In a general debate on the Ukraine conflict, Mr Johnson stated that it is critical to “double down in our defence of the Ukrainians” if Mr Putin doubles down on his “aggression.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As he listed the reasons why Ukraine’s counter-offensive is proving to be successful, though, he inadvertently thanked Mr Putin, before quickly correcting himself and thanking Mr Zelenskyy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He said: “Thanks to the heroism of the Ukrainian armed forces, thanks in part to the weapons that we are proud to be offering, I congratulate my right honourable friend (James Heappey) on his description of the work of the UK armed forces, the weapons that we’re sending, the huge list…<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Thanks also, of course, to the inspirational leadership of Vladimir Putin.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mr Johnson immediately realised his mistake and added: “The inspirational leadership of Volodymyr Zelenskyy, forgive me, the Russian forces have, in recent days been expelled from large parts of the north-east of the country around Kharkiv.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“And they are under increasing pressure in Kherson in the south, and I have no doubt whatever that the Ukrainians will win.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
During his speech on Ukraine, Mr Johnson also said the UK must be prepared to give “more military assistance” and “more economic support” to Kyiv.<\/p>\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Boris Johnson incorrectly thanked Russian President Vladimir Putin for his “inspiring leadership” rather than Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The gaffe occurred during his first significant contribution as a backbencher since … <\/p>\n