Boris Johnson Goes ‘Into Ukraine’s Kill Zone’ for New Documentary

Former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson – a long-standing supporter of Ukraine’s plight in the face of Russia’s aggression – has produced a new documentary in collaboration with UK broadcaster Channel 5, “Boris Johnson: Into Ukraine’s Kill Zone,” released on July 24. The film follows Johnson as he spends 72 hours on Ukraine’s front line, during which he seeks to determine whether Russia’s war has any chance of success, talks to Ukrainian soldiers fighting a war they did not choose, and offers a perspective on what is needed for a Ukrainian victory.JOIN US ON TELEGRAMFollow our coverage of the war on the @Kyivpost_official. Johnson visited Ukraine three times as prime minister but, as he admits in the documentary, did not go beyond the capital. For his latest visit in February 2026, he traveled with a cameraman, a journalist, and a translator, bringing him to within just a few miles of active fighting. In this article, we cover some of the former prime minister’s key observations and reflections as depicted in the film, as well as responses and reactions post release. Heroes who need more support Early in the film, Johnson is seen visiting and talking to members of a unit in Zaporizhzhia responsible for tracking and operating mobile anti-aircraft guns to protect against Shahed drone attacks. Referring to the “terrifying” scale of air attacks launched against Ukraine and watching incoming drones in real time, Johnson reflects: “I just find it absolutely heart-rending that you’ve got a bunch of guys, some of them not much younger than me, freezing their butts off in the middle of the night, trying to keep their cities safe with equipment, some of which was designed more than 100 years ago.” Other Topics of Interest Air Defenses Downed 445,000 Russian Targets Since 2022 Acting Defense Minister Evgeniy Khmara stated that Ukrainian forces have destroyed over 445,000 Russian aerial targets since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion. At this point, Johnson refers to Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU) personnel as “heroes” but says that not enough is being done to help them – an observation clearly aimed at other Western governments and a matter he describes as a “disgrace.” Interspersed through the film are reminders of key historical junctures, including Russia’s illegal annexation of Crimea in 2014. Also, how Russia’s actions violated the Budapest Memorandum co-signed in December 1994 by Ukraine, Russia, the US, and the UK, which involved Ukraine giving up its nuclear weapons in exchange for pledges respecting its borders and sovereignty. “I have not forgotten the UK’s promise to this country, even if Russia has,” the former prime minister says. “One of the things that enrages me most is the idea that blame for the fact the war is going on is equally shared between Ukraine and Russia. It drives me mad,” he adds. In the documentary, Johnson is mindful of the risk to those around him if he is recognized, with lighter moments focusing on how he can stay suitably disguised to avoid giving away his presence to the enemy, while some scenes in public places are blurred out altogether. Boris Johnson during his visit to Ukraine in February 2026, where he spent 72 hours close to the front line. Photo by Andriy Andriyenko / 65th Mechanized Brigade of Ukrainian Armed Forces / AFP Edging closer to the front In Zaporizhzhia, Johnson is filmed staying in an anonymous apartment, which one of the team notes is safer than a hotel that can be at greater risk of being targeted by Russia to deter outside visitors. But the ex-politician is woken by explosions at night and later hears of an attack on a city apartment. As Johnson prepares to enter what he calls the “kill zone,” he meets two members of the 65th Brigade – commander Makar and a liaison officer, 24-year-old Dasha – both acting as his guides from this point forward. Viewers learn that Dasha joined the AFU voluntarily despite the wishes of her father, whom she hadn’t spoken to in three months. This further inspires Johnson’s awe of Ukrainians’ determination in what he later refers to as a war of “good and evil” based on a “deep injustice.” Johnson observes more intense scenes of destruction near Huliaipole and Komyshuvakha, where ordinary people try to continue their daily lives and engage with the crew amidst ongoing fighting. Visiting a local working supermarket, Johnson describes it as a symbol of Ukrainians’ defiance despite the regular onslaught of drone attacks. Moving further along in their vehicle, Johnson expresses shock as he sees burnt-out cars, charred earth, and what he describes as “pulverized” neighborhoods with houses “blown to smithereens” only days ago. The road on which they travel is reportedly constantly attacked by Russians as they try to control it, with his guides making clear they need to travel at speed to escape the threat of being targeted. From speaking to several soldiers, Johnson notes how they desperately want peace but are determined not to let Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin win – referring to these as “two huge forces in the Ukrainian soul.” “The West has got to snap out of its complacency,” Johnson states overtly, describing nations as “lulled into a false sense of security” by Ukraine’s ability to hold on. He concludes at this point that increasing the threat to Putin, the cost to Putin, and the pressure on Putin are the three ingredients necessary to help bring the war to an end. Later, Johnson meets the 65th Brigade’s drone unit, watching videos of the unit’s assaults on Russian positions, as well as the shrapnel injuries sustained by one of the unit’s drone operators. At one point, Johnson ponders whether surrendering land would be a better option to bring peace but recalibrates his thoughts on the basis that Putin would not stop at whatever he is given. Johnson’s final visit is to a burnt-out passenger train following a Russian attack that killed six civilians and injured two others – an attack Johnson says makes Russia look like nothing other than “barbarians.” He reflects that the area where the train was hit was close enough to the front line for the Russians to claim the target was military personnel. In his closing comments, he reiterates the things he says Ukraine needs most to bring the war to a conclusion much faster – the kit, the money, and a stronger grip on “cracking down on Putin.” Former Britain's prime minister Boris Johnson visits Orikhiv district of Zaporizhzhia region. Photo by Andriy Andriyenko / 65th Mechanized Brigade of Ukrainian Armed Forces / AFP Responses and critical reaction to the documentary The credits of the film include a response from Russia to the producers’ request for comment, which states that the program relies heavily on the views of Johnson; that he played a part in persuading Ukraine to abandon the Istanbul talks of spring 2022 that were “close to a settlement,” and accuses Johnson of double standards for remaining silent on attacks by Ukrainian forces against civilian infrastructure in Russia.A response to a request for comment from the British Government reiterates its continued support for Ukraine against Russia’s “unprovoked and barbaric invasion,” committing £21.8 billion ($29.3 billion) in assistance, committing more than 150,000 drones and 350 air defense missiles. Critical responses to the documentary have been mixed, with some finding the film a self-serving endeavour, or that Johnson’s frontline reporting is undermined by his persona. Others praised his ability to connect with troops and deliver sober reporting. UK newspaper The Guardian gives the documentary one star out of five, saying it is ruined by a “self-serving narcissist” who “undermines the honor of every brave fighter he meets.” Meanwhile, The Telegraph gives it four stars out of five, stating that “Boris Johnson surprises us with a sober, no-frills film about Ukraine.” The Radio Times is more sympathetic to Johnson’s approach and style of delivery, noting that he “eschews his customary quips on a visit to Ukraine’s front line” and that the documentary presents “a powerful portrait of war.” One thing is true – whatever his reputation in the UK, the former British prime minister has remained a popular figure in Ukraine, with a street in Odesa renamed “Boris Johnson Street” in 2022, and Kyiv City Council awarding him Honorary Citizen of Kyiv. Love him or hate him as a political figure, Johnson is clearly moved by his experiences in Ukraine, which provide a rare first-hand glimpse for Western viewers of the bravery of the AFU and the Ukrainian people. The documentary can be viewed on Channel 5’s YouTube account here.