Boris Johnson criticized the appointment of the new British foreign minister
Former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson reacted sharply to the appointment of Ed Miliband as the new foreign minister, calling it a “terrible choice” that “will delight the Kremlin.”
Johnson explained his position by noting that in 2013, Miliband opposed British military intervention in Syria following the use of chemical weapons by Bashar al-Assad’s regime. According to the former prime minister, this stance may have reinforced Vladimir Putin’s confidence that the annexation of Crimea would go unpunished.
Relations with U.S. President Donald Trump could pose another challenge for the new head of British diplomacy. Ten years ago, Miliband called him “a racist, a misogynist, and a man who has admitted to sexual harassment.”
At the same time, following his appointment, Miliband reaffirmed his “unwavering” support for Ukraine. During his first conversation with Ukraine’s Acting Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga, the two sides discussed military aid, support for Ukraine’s energy sector ahead of winter, and increasing pressure on Russia.
British Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband held his first meeting since his appointment with the European Union’s top diplomat, Kaja Kallas.
U.S. Ambassador to the United Kingdom Warren Stevens expressed hope that the critical views of the new British Foreign Secretary, Ed Miliband, toward U.S. President Donald Trump had changed. He made this statement on July 23 in comments to Sky News, according to “European Truth.”
