Vladimir Putin has made a “colossal mistake” by believing his troops would be “garlanded by roses” in Ukraine, says Boris Johnson.
Mr Johnson made the remarks in Cabinet on Monday, according to his official spokesman as Russia continues to struggle to make ground towards Ukraine’s capital, Kyiv.
Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin has been slammed for the invasion
REUTERS/ Sputnik
“The Prime Minister said it is becoming clearer with each day that Putin had made a colossal mistake believing that the guns of his tanks would be garlanded with roses when instead the Ukrainian people had put up a fierce resistance in defence of their homeland,” Mr Johnson’s spokesman said.
“He said latest intelligence suggested Putin’s advances had been hampered by logistical problems and the heroic efforts of the Ukrainian military who are inflicting significant casualties on Russian troops.”
Talks between Russia and Ukraine have begun on the Belarusian border despite the Russian army showing no signs of stepping down.
In a video address to the nation on Monday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Ukraine will release prisoners with military experience if they're willing to join fight against Russia.
Mr Zelenskyy also called on the EU to grant Ukraine full membership into the bloc.
He added: "We ask the European Union for Ukraine's immediate accession under a new special procedure."
