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Bad peace for Ukraine would be appalling for the world, says Boris Johnson

Bad peace for Ukraine would be appalling for the world, says Boris Johnson

Boris Johnson has warned the consequences of a Ukrainian defeat or bad peace deal would be appalling for freedom around the world.

The Prime Minister, speaking at the Nato summit in Madrid, said the alliance was stronger and more unified than ever despite the ongoing war in Ukraine. But, peace was fragile, he said.

“If Ukraine were to be crushed, or forced into a bad peace, the consequences for freedom around the world would be appalling and that view is shared by everyone in Nato,” he said.

He said the best way to stand up for the values of the West, was for the “the Ukrainian’s to win” and for “Putin to fail in Ukraine”.

Mr Johnson praised the unity of the alliance and vowed to continue to provide military assistance for Ukraine “no matter how difficult it may be”.

He added: “The Nato alliance is plainly in robust health and getting stronger, with new members and a new purpose.

"We can see that our work is cut out. If history is any guide, then I believe that this great alliance will again be successful."

In his speech from the Spanish capital, the Prime Minister also pledged that the UK will spend 2.5 per cent of GDP on defence by the end of the decade - exceeding the current two per cent member state pledge.

“We need to invest for the long-term in vital capabilities like future combat air whilst simultaneously adapting to a more dangerous and more competitive world.

"The logical conclusion of the investments on which we propose to embark, these decisions, is that we’ll reach 2.5 per cernt of GDP on defence by the end of the decade,” he said.

The Prime Minister’s speech comes as Sweden and Finland were officially invited to join the alliance after Turkey withdrew its objection.

The alliance has also announced that “well over 300,000” troops will be put in high readiness in what secretary general, Jens Stoltenberg said was the “biggest overhaul of our collective deterrence and defence since the Cold War”.