Boris Johnson thanked Vladimir Putin instead of Volodymyr Zelenskyy for his “inspirational leadership” in the Commons on Thursday in a significant verbal slip-up.
The Conservative former prime minister said it is important to “double down in our defence of the Ukrainians” if Mr Putin doubles down on his “aggression” during his first major Commons debate since becoming a backbencher.
Mr Johnson inadvertently thanked Mr Putin for his “inspirational leadership” as he listed the reasons why Ukraine’s counter-offensive is proving to be successful before quickly correcting himself and thanking Mr Zelenskyy.
“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…," he said.
“Thanks also, of course, to the inspirational leadership of Vladimir Putin…”
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.
“And they are under increasing pressure in Kherson in the south, and I have no doubt whatever that the Ukrainians will win.”
Mr Johnson’s slip-up came during a general debate on the situation in Ukraine.
UK's Boris Johnson travels to Ukraine to mark independence day - in pictures
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British Prime Minister Boris Johnson travelled to Ukraine's capital as the nation celebrated its Independence Day, six months to the day since Russia invaded. PA -
Mr Johnson receives the Order of Liberty, Ukraine’s highest award for foreign citizens, from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for the UK’s staunch support of Ukraine’s freedom. Photo: Ukraine Government / No 10 Downing Street -
The Order of Liberty award received by Mr Johnson. Photo: Ukraine Government / No 10 Downing Street -
Mr Johnson and Mr Zelenskyy walk through Kyiv's Maidan. AFP -
Mr Johnson and Mr Zelenskyy hold a joint press conference. Photo: Ukraine Government / No 10 Downing Street -
Mr Johnson hailed the 'strong will of Ukrainians to resist' Russia's invasion during the visit. PA -
'You defend your right to live in peace, in freedom and that's why Ukraine will win,' Mr Johnson said. Photo: Ukraine Government / No 10 Downing Street
It was the second time the MP for Uxbridge and South Ruislip made a backbench contribution in the Commons.
In his first appearance since standing down as prime minister, Mr Johnson paid tribute to the queen in the special two-day event in Parliament.
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.
Boris Johnson meets Zelenskyy in Ukraine - in pictures
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British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, left, speaks with a resident as he walks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in central Kyiv. AFP -
Mr Johnson, left, and Mr Zelenskyy visit the Memorial to the Heavenly Hundred Heroes in Kyiv. AFP -
The British Prime Minister paid an unannounced visit to Kyiv in a "show of solidarity" with Ukraine. AFP -
Mr Johnson arrived a day after a missile strike killed dozens at a railway station in Ukraine's east. AFP -
Mr Johnson surveys the damage caused during fighting between Russian troops and Ukrainian forces, in Kyiv. AFP -
Mr Johnson and Mr Zelenskyy attend a news briefing. Reuters -
The leaders pose for a picture with a woman, after she gave them gifts. AP -
Mr Johnson and Mr Zelenskyy on a street in downtown Kyiv. AP -
Mr Zelenskyy, third right, Mr Johnson, left, and various officials during a meeting. EPA -
Mr Johnson said the West would continue to "ratchet up" sanctions on Moscow as he praised the courage of the Ukrainian troops. AP
"If Putin is going to double down on his aggression, then we must double down in our defence of the Ukrainians, and we must be prepared to give more military assistance and more economic support, and I welcome warmly the announcements from this government this week,” he said.
Mr Johnson also warned against encouraging Ukrainians to do a deal to “trade land for peace” to allow Russian gas to flow to Europe.
