Boris Johnson slams 'f****** idiot' Vladimir Putin's imperial ambitions as 'Russia's empire is over'

12 January 2025, 15:29 | Updated: 12 January 2025, 15:32

Former Conservative Prime Minister Boris Johnson labelled Vladimir Putin a 'f***** idiot' in a scathing interview.
Former Conservative Prime Minister Boris Johnson labelled Vladimir Putin a 'f***** idiot' in a scathing interview. Picture: Getty

By Jacob Paul

Boris Johnson has blasted Vladimir Putin as a "f****** idiot" over his flatlining imperial ambitions for Russia in a scathing interview.

Listen to this article

Loading audio...

Speaking to Baltic news outlet Delphi, the former prime minister ​​attacked the Russian president for his Ukraine invasion and threats to other nations in the region. 

"What Putin is doing is archaic and barbaric, and he needs to understand that Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, none of these countries are part of the Russian imperium anymore, and nor is Ukraine,” he said.

Mr Johnson later added: "It's over, over, over, over, no more empire Vladimir, you f***ing idiot, excuse my language.”

The former Conservative PM likened Russia’s falling empire to Britain’s, arguing countries should accept when times have changed. H

He also urged world leaders to renew efforts to help Ukraine join NATO to scupper Putin’s hopes of invading again. 

Read more: British forces should help defend Ukrainian border against Russia in any ceasefire, Boris Johnson says

Read more: Trump will 'certainly' do a UK trade deal, Boris Johnson claims - as Farage urges Starmer to 'roll out the red carpet'

“People have stopped talking about it. And I think that’s a great, great loss, because the West is retreating again,” Mr Johnson added.

He argued "we have to be much more decisive", adding that "we will not solve the Ukraine problem without Article 5 guarantees or long-term Nato membership.”

This is not the only global conflict the former prime minister has spoken about publicly since leaving Downing Street. He formerly stepped down as an MP in 2023. 

Speaking to LBC in October, shared his thoughts on the ongoing Israel-Hamas war near the one-year anniversary of the conflict breaking out. 

Mr Johnson told Nick Ferrari at Breakfast that "too many people have forgotten the full horror" of the October 7 attacks that left 1,200 people dead.

Many of the hostages of the 250 taken by Hamas over a year ago remain unaccounted for.  Israel has vowed to eliminate Hamas and return the remaining hostages.

The country's government has been heavily criticised for the tens of thousands of people killed in its retaliatory war in Gaza, according to Palestinian officials.

Separately Israel has also launched a bombardment and ground incursion over its northern border into Lebanon, in a bid to suppress Hezbollah and stop the strikes on its own northern regions that have displaced tens of thousands.

Mr Johnson said that his "heart bleeds" for the people of Gaza and Lebanon.

But he insisted that "you have got to face the reality that Israel is trying to deal with two sets of people who want to exterminate them and their country."

More Latest News

See more More Latest News

A Thai hostage who was freed from Hamas, Pongsak Thaenna, hugs a relative upon arrival at Suvarnabhumi International Airport

'We never gave up hope': Freed Thai hostages in tears of joy as they reunite with families after more than a year

Harry and Meghan at the opening ceremony for the Invictus Games.

Meghan and Prince Harry cheer on Team UK at Invictus Games opening ceremony

Daisy the Labrador.

Stolen dog reunited with family after seven years

Irish boxer John Cooney.

Boxer dies from a brain bleed, from injury during championship fight

'Make Europe Great Again' Rally In Madrid

'Make Europe Great Again': Far-right European political leaders praise Trump at Madrid meeting

Kanye West.

Rapper Kanye West advertises t-shirt featuring a Nazi swastika, after 'antisemitic rampage' on X

Andrew Gwynne.

Minister sacked after posting he hoped 'pensioner who didn’t vote Labour would die' in WhatsApp group

Police officers hold back protesters trying to block the road.

Two arrested as protesters clash with police outside proposed site for new Chinese ‘mega-embassy’ in London

Duke and Duchess of Sussex.

'She's terrible': Trump takes swipe at Meghan, but will not deport Prince Harry

Freed Palestinian prisoners are greeted by a crowd as they arrive in the Gaza Strip after being released from an Israeli prison following a ceasefire agreement between Hamas and Israel in Khan Younis, southern Gaza Strip.

Emotional scenes in West Bank and Gaza as Palestinians reunited with their families after release from Israeli prisons

Elsie Dot Stancombe, Alice Dasilva Aguiar and Bebe King.

'She was grateful for life': parents of Southport stabbing victims pay tribute to their children

Israeli hostage reunited with his family.

Emotional moment Israeli hostages reunite with families after being paraded on stage by Hamas

Police officers hold back protesters trying to block the road at the rally.

Protesters clash with police as thousands rally outside proposed site for new Chinese ‘mega-embassy’ in London

The father of the Huszti sisters has said he believes his daughters were "kidnapped" and "cruelly killed"

Heartbroken father of sisters found dead in River Dee believes they were 'lured to their death'

Hollyoaks star and country singer thought to be son of British couple shot dead in French villa ‘by UK gangsters’

Hollyoaks star breaks silence over death of mum found dead in French villa with her husband

Harvey Willgoose's parents Caroline Willgoose (left) and Mark (right) holder a banner as they march to Bramall Lane in memory of their son

Hundreds gather for memorial march after 15-year-old Harvey Willgoose stabbed to death at school in Sheffield