Johnson offers Zelensky to create an alternative to the EU, led by the UK, says Italian newspaper

The UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson offers the Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to create a new political, economic, and military alliance system as an alternative to the EU, reports one of the largest Italian newspapers Corriere Della Sera, referencing sources familiar with the matter.

It is reported that the newly formed union would unite countries that distrust Brussels and criticize Germany for its indecisive response to Russia's aggression.

Many sources that were present at the World Economic Forum in Davos these days and are familiar with the talks say Johnson has been working on his idea for more than a month. He first introduced it to Volodymyr Zelensky when he visited Kyiv on April 9.

The model of the European Union proposed by the British PM would be led by the UK, which left the EU in 2020. According to the plan, the union should include Ukraine, Poland, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, and possibly Turkey at later stages, says Corriere Della Sera.

It is noted that after Johnson visited Kyiv, negotiations continued, and London was increasingly urging Ukraine to join. Corriere Della Sera says that the UK is offering to create a union of states that are zealous for their national sovereignty, liberal in the economy, and determined to show maximum intransigence to the Moscow military threat.

WHAT DOES KYIV SAY?

Kyiv has not yet taken a position on the British initiative but has not rejected it either. According to the newspaper, Zelensky is waiting for the European Summit on June 23, when the leaders of 27 countries will be asked to decide whether to grant Ukraine the status of a candidate for EU membership. If member states limit themselves to vague statements about Kyiv's "European perspective," Zelensky could take Johnson's alternative proposal more seriously.

But it is also possible that rumors of this offer are spreading right now to put pressure on European leaders on the eve of the June decisions. It is also noted that London does not have the EU's capacity to provide financial support to Ukraine, and it is unclear what Poland or the Baltic states think of the initiative.

HELP FROM LONDON

The UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson is one of the world leaders who most support Ukraine's fight against Russia. On February 24, the UK provided Kyiv with anti-tank missiles, air defense systems, and other arms. The UK is among the leaders in imposing sanctions on Russia, its regime, and Russian business.

On May 3, Johnson became the first Western leader to address the Ukrainian parliament since the start of the full-scale Russian invasion. He then announced a support package worth £300 million. The UK has also promised to send anti-ship missile systems, armored vehicles, radar to detect artillery, drones, and humanitarian aid in the coming weeks.