Attack on UkraineForeign AffairsSpeeches

Boris Johnson – 2022 Message to the Russian People

The message to the Russian people made by Boris Johnson, the Prime Minister, on 5 April 2022.

The Russian people deserve the truth, you deserve the facts. [Spoken in Russian]

The atrocities committed by Russian troops in Bucha, Irpin and elsewhere in Ukraine have horrified the world.

Civilians massacred – shot dead with their hands tied.

Women raped in front of their young children.

Bodies crudely burned, dumped in mass graves, or just left lying in the street.

The reports are so shocking, so sickening, it’s no wonder your government is seeking to hide them from you.

Your president knows that if you could see what was happening, you would not support his war.

He knows that these crimes betray the trust of every Russian mother who proudly waves goodbye to her son as he heads off to join the military.

And he knows they are a stain on the honour of Russia itself.

A stain that will only grow larger and more indelible every day this war continues.

But don’t just take my word for it.

All you need is VPN connection to access independent information from anywhere in the world.

And when you find the truth, share it.

Those responsible will be held to account.

And history will remember who looked the other way.

Your president stands accused of committing war crimes. [Spoken in Russian]

But I cannot believe he’s acting in your name. [Spoken in Russian]