Boris Johnson warns Russian victory in Ukraine would be 'absolutely catastrophic' - CNN

Speaking to Jake Tapper on CNN's "State of the Union" hours after Russian missiles hit Kyiv, shattering what had been relative calm in the Ukrainian capital, Johnson urged Americans, Britons and others in the West to maintain resolve in punishing Moscow, despite the effect the war has had on global oil prices.

"I would just say to people in the United States that this is something that America historically does and has to do, and that is to step up for peace and freedom and democracy," Johnson said.

"That is what is ultimately disastrous, not just for democracy and for the independence of countries, but for economic stability."

The costs to Western nations of defending Ukraine -- including the billions of dollars in security assistance provided by the United States -- is "a price worth paying for democracy and freedom," Johnson said.

The G7 summit has provided a refuge of sorts for Johnson, who is facing serious political headwinds back home in the United Kingdom.

I got people on my case, I got people making arguments," he said.

And he used Putin, who exists in a largely frictionless political environment, as an example of how leaders in anti-democratic systems can wield power.

"Do you really think that Vladimir Putin would have launched an invasion of another sovereign country if he'd had people to listen to, properly arguing, if he'd had a committee of backbenchers?" Johnson asked.

When it comes to American democracy, Johnson was similarly bullish -- despite the violent attempt to overthrow it on January 6, 2021.