Former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson visited eastern Ukraine’s active conflict zone in late July, documenting the ongoing toll of the war against Russia in a 90-minute film aired on Channel 5. The visit took him to areas heavily impacted by Russian attacks, including Zaporizhzhia and surrounding villages such as Komyshuvakha, where he witnessed firsthand the damage to civilian infrastructure and met Ukrainian soldiers defending their homeland.

Johnson traveled with war correspondents familiar with the conflict, who have been reporting from the front lines since Russia’s invasion in February 2022. Their footage illustrates the extreme risks faced by residents and journalists alike in what is referred to as the “Kill Zone”—a region just behind the 850-mile frontline where drone strikes, artillery bombardments, and other attacks occur regularly.

During his time in Zaporizhzhia, a city strategically located on the banks of the Dnieper River and frequently targeted by Russian forces, Johnson experienced the threat of Iranian-made Shahed drones firsthand. He described waking in the early hours to the sound of multiple strikes nearby, noting the vulnerability civilians face as some attacks could go unnoticed or strike with little warning.

In Komyshuvakha, Johnson narrowly avoided harm when an approaching glide bomb forced him and his team to evacuate a supermarket under attack. Security officers monitoring airspace issued the alert, demonstrating how constant vigilance is necessary to survive in the region. The scenes included destroyed homes and farms, underscoring the severe devastation inflicted upon local communities.

Johnson also visited an anti-aircraft artillery unit outside Kyiv, expressing admiration for the soldiers operating legacy weaponry to intercept drones and missiles. Despite tiring conditions and limited resources, the troops showcased their successes in shooting down enemy drones, and Johnson remarked on the bravery of personnel defending Ukraine with equipment dating back to World War II.

Throughout the visit, Johnson emphasized the resilience and sacrifice of Ukrainian fighters and volunteers, such as a 24-year-old woman named Dasha who joined the military despite initial familial opposition. Reflecting on the human cost of the conflict and the broader implications for European security, Johnson warned against complacency in the West, arguing that Ukraine’s defense prevents a wider war.

He condemned Russian attacks on civilian targets, including a recent strike on a train carriage carrying family members of Ukrainian soldiers, labeling such acts as deliberate terrorism. Johnson called for increased support to accelerate Ukraine’s progress, asserting that the country’s struggle is a clear battle of good versus evil. He concluded his remarks with a message of solidarity, urging continued international backing as Ukraine faces ongoing threats from Russian forces.