Former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson sharply criticized new Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s decision to appoint Edward Miliband as foreign secretary, saying that the former Labour leader bears responsibility for the war in Ukraine.

The former Conservative prime minister said that “Miliband’s failure to stand up to Bashar al-Assad” “directly led to Putin’s first invasion of Ukraine,” and that the Kremlin would be “delighted” by the appointment.

Sharing a The Telegraph article on X that criticized Burnham’s personnel decision, Johnson wrote:

“Absolutely right. The indecision over Bashar al-Assad, for which Miliband bears a large share of the blame, led to Putin’s first invasion of Ukraine. A dreadful choice for foreign secretary. The Kremlin will be delighted.”

Miliband took office as head of the Foreign Office on Monday as part of the formation of the new cabinet. His appointment is reportedly due to his experience in international work and negotiations during his time as energy secretary in Keir Starmer’s government.

Nevertheless, media reports have emerged claiming that the White House is “deeply concerned” by the move and had warned the British prime minister against such a decision. Donald Trump’s administration, according to available information, indicated that it would be difficult for the American side to work with Miliband on international issues, including because of his hardline stance on climate projects and his refusal to expand oil and gas production in the North Sea.