As the war in Ukraine nears its grim fourth anniversary, former Prime Minister Boris Johnson has urged the UK and its allies to deploy non-combat troops to the country immediately. Appearing on the BBC’s “Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg,” Johnson argued that such a move could shift the dynamics of the conflict and send a clear message to Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Call for Immediate Action
Johnson, who led the UK during the initial stages of the invasion, expressed that sending troops to peaceful regions in Ukraine would demonstrate international solidarity. He stated, “If we can have a plan for boots on the ground after the war, then why not do it now?” His comments come at a time when the UK government is contemplating a “coalition of the willing” to support Ukraine, contingent upon a peace agreement.
Significantly, Johnson was joined in his remarks by Admiral Sir Tony Radakin, former Chief of the Defence Staff, who echoed the sentiment that Western allies have been excessively cautious in their support for Ukraine. Both men lamented the slow response to President Volodymyr Zelensky’s requests for aid, characterising the approach as “incrementalism” which has frustrated the Ukrainian leadership.
Reflecting on Missed Opportunities
In a poignant reflection, Johnson noted that the invasion could have been averted had the West responded more decisively to Putin’s prior aggressions, such as the annexation of Crimea in 2014. He asserted that the failure to act at that juncture had tragic consequences, stating, “The failure to do anything in Crimea was tragic.” He further posited that Western hesitancy in the Syrian conflict and the chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan contributed to Putin’s sense of impunity.
Johnson lamented that the West has often provided support only after unnecessary delays, which he believes has cost lives. “We’ve always delayed needlessly,” he remarked. “If we’d had clarity and simplicity about Ukraine, rather than endless fudge and obscurity, we could have prevented that invasion.”
The Path Forward
In light of these reflections, Johnson’s proposal to send troops to Ukraine is not merely a tactical suggestion but a strategic imperative. He called for international forces to be positioned in safe areas of Ukraine to send a message of support. His assertion that such deployments should be made before a ceasefire, rather than after, highlights a proactive rather than reactive approach to foreign policy.
However, the idea of deploying international troops remains controversial. The Ministry of Defence responded to Johnson’s comments by reiterating the UK’s commitment to supporting Ukraine through military aid and diplomatic efforts, stressing the importance of maintaining peace and stability in the region.
The Risks Involved
Yet, the prospect of sending troops to Ukraine poses significant risks. Putin has previously condemned proposals for any foreign military presence, deeming them “legitimate targets.” Such a deployment could escalate tensions further, complicating the already fraught geopolitical landscape.
Why it Matters
Johnson’s call for immediate troop deployment underscores a growing frustration within certain political circles regarding the West’s approach to the ongoing crisis in Ukraine. As the conflict continues to inflict heavy casualties, the debate over how far allies should go in supporting Ukraine will only intensify. This moment serves as a critical juncture; the decisions made now could either bolster Ukraine’s fight for sovereignty or further entrench the conflict, determining the future of European security for years to come.
