A Downing Street readout of Boris Johnson’s call with Vladimir Putin has resurfaced – and doesn’t appear to mention threats to his life at all.
The former prime minister said his Russian counterpart had told him “I don’t want to hurt you, but with a missile, it would only take a minute” in a call ahead of the invasion of Ukraine.
Johnson said the “extraordinary” conversation took place in February after he had visited Kyiv in a last-ditch attempt to show Western support for Ukraine amid growing fears of a Russian assault.
The claims have since been disputed by the Kremlin, who said Johnson had “told a lie” in the interview.
A Downing Street readout of the call also raises doubt over the accuracy of Johnson’s recollections.
Read the report in full below:
Related: Protesters break into House of Lords debate on protesting
