Former Prime Minister Boris Johnson has urged the UK and its allies to send non-combat troops to Ukraine immediately, arguing that such a move could alter the dynamics of the ongoing conflict. In an exclusive interview with BBC’s *Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg*, Johnson, alongside former head of the military Admiral Sir Tony Radakin, contended that deploying troops to peaceful areas could send a powerful message to Russian President Vladimir Putin.
A Strategic Shift
Johnson questioned the rationale behind waiting for a ceasefire to deploy troops, suggesting that if plans are in place for a post-war presence, then action should be taken now. “If we can have a plan for boots on the ground after the war, after Putin has condescended to have a ceasefire, then why not do it now?” he asked. His comments come just ahead of the fourth anniversary of the war, a conflict he believes could have been avoided had Western allies responded more decisively to Putin’s aggression, particularly following the annexation of Crimea in 2014.
Criticism of Western Response
Both Johnson and Sir Tony expressed frustration at the slow pace of military support from Western allies throughout the conflict. They reflected on the critical early days of the war, where a swift decision to back Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky was essential. Johnson lamented that Western nations have often delayed sending the requested military aid, which he believes has come at a significant cost to Ukraine. He stated, “We’ve always delayed needlessly,” and stressed that such hesitance has only served to embolden Putin.
The Nature of International Deployment
Johnson’s call for troops to be sent to Ukraine raises complex questions about the nature of international military involvement. He stated that any deployment would be non-combat in nature, aimed at demonstrating support for Ukraine’s sovereignty. However, he acknowledged the potential for such a move to be perceived as a provocation by Putin, who has previously warned that any foreign troops in Ukraine would be considered “legitimate targets.”
The UK Ministry of Defence responded to Johnson’s remarks, highlighting the ongoing military support provided to Ukraine, including a recent £500 million air defence package and plans for a coalition of nations willing to contribute to peacekeeping, contingent on a ceasefire agreement.
Addressing Past Mistakes
Reflecting on the past, Johnson admitted that the failure to confront Putin’s actions in Crimea was “tragic.” He articulated concerns that Western inaction, particularly regarding the Syrian conflict and the chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan, had emboldened the Russian leader. “If we’d had clarity and simplicity about Ukraine… we could have prevented that invasion,” he asserted.
Sir Tony also emphasised the need for the UK government to fulfil its commitment to increase defence spending to 3.5% of national income by 2035, stressing the importance of preparation in light of the ongoing conflict in Europe.
Why it Matters
Johnson’s assertions highlight a growing impatience with the current pace of military support to Ukraine and reflect broader frustrations about Western strategies in the face of Russian aggression. His call to action, if taken seriously, could represent a significant shift in international military policy and engagement in Ukraine. As the war continues to claim lives and reshape the geopolitical landscape, the urgency for a robust response becomes ever more critical. The implications of Johnson’s proposals, should they gain traction, could redefine the contours of Western involvement and the future of Ukraine as a free and independent nation.
