Story perspectives

Babis Blames Johnson for Stalled Ukraine Peace Deal

2/10/2026

Summary

Story summary

Andrej Babis, the Czech Prime Minister, accuses Boris Johnson, the former British Prime Minister, of obstructing a 2022 peace deal between Russia and Ukraine.
He says Istanbul agreement collapsed after Johnson urged Ukraine to continue fighting.
Western officials and Ukrainian negotiators echo that Johnson's actions prolonged the conflict.
Johnson denies the accusation, while reports say Western leaders including former Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett pressured Ukraine to reject the deal.

History

Historical Context

The Istanbul Agreement of 2022 aimed to broker peace between Russia and Ukraine but faltered, influenced by leaders like Boris Johnson, who urged Ukraine to persist in its resistance. This reflects the intricate dynamics of international diplomacy, where such interventions can reshape conflict outcomes, significantly impacting geopolitical relations and conflict resolution strategies in Eastern Europe, a region historically marked by tension and conflict.

1 of 2

Story summary

Andrej Babis, the Czech Prime Minister, accuses Boris Johnson, the former British Prime Minister, of obstructing a 2022 peace deal between Russia and Ukraine.
He says Istanbul agreement collapsed after Johnson urged Ukraine to continue fighting.
Western officials and Ukrainian negotiators echo that Johnson's actions prolonged the conflict.
Johnson denies the accusation, while reports say Western leaders including former Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett pressured Ukraine to reject the deal.

1 / 2