
The Interview Boris Johnson and Sir Tony Radakin: Ukrainians are heroes
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Feb 25, 2026 Boris Johnson, former UK Prime Minister and foreign policy figure, and Admiral Sir Tony Radakin, ex-chief of the British Armed Forces, discuss the war in Ukraine. They recount early warnings and immediate reactions to the 2022 invasion. They debate Western caution over weapons, missed deterrence and whether stronger European signals or forces could have changed the course of the conflict.
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Early Morning Phone Call Announcing The Invasion
- Boris Johnson got a call around 4am on 24 February 2022 notifying him the invasion had begun.
- Admiral Sir Tony Radakin described intelligence signs like mobile crematoria and troop movements that made the invasion feel inevitable and almost a relief when it started.
Hostomel Fight Stopped Russia's Airborne Plan
- Tony Radakin highlighted the battle for Hostomel airport and Ukrainian resistance as pivotal.
- Johnson described Russia's plan to airland forces which collapsed because Ukrainians held the airport, leaving a stranded armour convoy.
Western Ambiguity Emboldened Putin
- Boris Johnson argues Western ambiguity after Crimea and mixed signals about NATO membership emboldened Putin.
- He says lack of a clear, strategic Western stance on Ukraine was a core reason the 2022 invasion happened.

