In a bold call to action, former Prime Minister Boris Johnson has urged the United Kingdom and its allies to deploy non-combat troops to Ukraine without delay. Speaking on the BBC’s *Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg*, Johnson argued that such a move could alter the strategic calculus of Russian President Vladimir Putin. His comments come just days before the four-year anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, a conflict that Johnson believes could have been avoided had the West acted more decisively against Putin’s earlier aggressions.
A Shift in Military Strategy
Johnson’s remarks were made in conjunction with Admiral Sir Tony Radakin, the former Chief of Defence Staff, who echoed the need for a more proactive approach. They proposed that British and allied forces could occupy peaceful regions in Ukraine, stepping in as a stabilising presence. Johnson questioned the logic behind delaying troop deployment until after a ceasefire, stating, “If we can have a plan for boots on the ground after the war, then why not do it now?” This provocative suggestion challenges the cautious stance currently adopted by the UK government, which is focused on forming a “coalition of the willing”, a group intended to maintain peace only once a formal agreement to end hostilities is reached.
The former PM lamented that the West’s hesitance has resulted in unnecessary suffering. “We’ve always delayed needlessly,” he stated, highlighting the frustratingly slow pace at which military support has been provided to Ukraine. He noted that the allies have often taken months to respond to urgent requests for weapons from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, a delay he believes has cost lives.
Historical Context and Regrets
Looking back at the origins of the current conflict, Johnson expressed regret over the West’s failure to confront Putin during the annexation of Crimea in 2014. He argued that this inaction, compounded by a lack of resolve in the Syrian crisis and the chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan, emboldened the Russian leader. “The failure to do anything in Crimea was tragic,” Johnson said, suggesting that if the West had exhibited stronger resolve, the invasion of Ukraine might have been avoided.
Admiral Radakin supported this view, labelling the West’s incremental approach as “deeply frustrating” for Ukraine, which has felt the urgency of the situation far more acutely than its allies. Both men argued that to deter further Russian aggression, the West must display unwavering support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and independence.
The Government’s Response
In response to Johnson’s controversial proposal, a spokesperson from the Ministry of Defence asserted the UK’s commitment to supporting Ukraine, emphasising the significant military aid already provided. They pointed to the recent half-billion-pound air defence package as evidence of this commitment. However, the spokesperson did not address Johnson’s specific call for troop deployment, highlighting the government’s preference for a strategy that prioritises diplomatic resolutions and post-war stability.
The reluctance to send troops into Ukraine is compounded by the potential risks involved. Johnson himself acknowledged that Putin would likely view any international troop presence, even in a peaceful capacity, as a provocation. This raises questions about the potential for escalation and the safety of international forces on Ukrainian soil.
Why it Matters
Johnson’s remarks underscore a critical juncture in the West’s approach to the Ukraine conflict. His call for immediate troop deployment reflects a growing frustration with the perceived indecisiveness of Western allies and a recognition that the current strategy may not suffice to deter further Russian aggression. As the war drags on and civilian casualties mount, the stakes have never been higher. The question now is whether the UK and its allies are prepared to escalate their involvement in a way that could fundamentally alter the dynamics of the conflict, or whether they will continue to tread cautiously, risking prolonged suffering for the Ukrainian people.
