In a bold call for action, former Prime Minister Boris Johnson has asserted that the UK and its allies should consider sending non-combat troops to Ukraine immediately. Johnson believes such a move could alter Russian President Vladimir Putin’s calculations in the ongoing conflict. Speaking on BBC’s *Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg*, alongside former military chief Admiral Sir Tony Radakin, Johnson emphasised the urgency of demonstrating support for Ukraine, particularly as the war approaches its fourth anniversary.
A Call to Action
Johnson’s proposition comes amidst ongoing discussions among Western allies about establishing a “coalition of the willing” aimed at ensuring peace and stability in Ukraine. He posed a provocative question: if we are prepared to discuss troop deployments in the aftermath of a ceasefire, why not act now? His comments reflect a growing frustration with the pace of Western responses to the war, which he and Sir Tony characterised as excessively cautious.
The former Prime Minister recounted the early days of the invasion on 24 February 2022, recalling how the decision to back President Volodymyr Zelensky was made. Both men agreed that the West had been too slow in providing the military assistance requested by Ukraine, often taking months to approve critical weapon shipments. This “incrementalism,” as Sir Tony put it, has been a source of deep frustration for Ukraine.
The Cost of Delay
Johnson did not mince words regarding the consequences of this hesitation, claiming that lives have been lost due to the West’s reluctance to act decisively. “We’ve always delayed needlessly,” he stated. He underscored that the delays often resulted in delivering the very support that Ukraine had long sought, ultimately benefiting their cause while disadvantaging Putin.
He reiterated that sending troops to Ukraine now, even to non-combat areas, would serve as a significant show of solidarity with the Ukrainian people. Johnson’s vision entails a clear message: if the West is willing to commit to Ukraine’s defence post-war, it should not hesitate to do so in the present.
A Provocative Proposal
Johnson’s suggestion does not come without risks. Any deployment of international troops, even for peacekeeping, could provoke a harsh reaction from Putin. The Russian leader has previously stated that any foreign troops in Ukraine would be considered “legitimate targets.”
Responding to Johnson’s comments, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Defence asserted that the UK remains committed to providing military support to Ukraine and is actively engaged in preparing for future peacekeeping efforts. They highlighted recent military aid packages, including a substantial air defence package announced just last week, as evidence of the UK’s ongoing commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty.
Reflecting on Past Mistakes
In his interview, Johnson expressed regret over the West’s failure to confront Russian aggression sooner, particularly regarding the annexation of Crimea in 2014. He described the lack of a robust response as “tragic,” arguing that it emboldened Putin’s subsequent actions. He posited that the failures in Syria and the chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan contributed to Putin’s sense of invincibility.
The former Prime Minister stressed the need for a decisive Western stance on Ukraine’s independence. “Until he sees the evidence that that is our determination, I think he’s just going to keep going,” Johnson warned, pointing to a fundamental lack of resolve as the crux of the issue.
The Future of Defence Spending
Admiral Sir Tony Radakin echoed Johnson’s sentiments, urging the government to fulfil its commitment to increase defence spending to 3.5% of national income by 2035. He underscored the importance of investing in national security amid the ongoing conflict in Europe, asserting that while the UK currently enjoys safety as a nuclear power and NATO member, continued investment is crucial for long-term security.
As the war in Ukraine nears its four-year mark, Johnson’s reflections serve as a stark reminder of the potential consequences of inaction. His call to deploy non-combat troops now is a significant shift in rhetoric, suggesting that the time for half-measures has passed.
Why it Matters
The implications of Johnson’s recommendations are profound. By advocating for the immediate deployment of non-combat troops, he is challenging the status quo of Western hesitance and underscoring the urgency of a more proactive approach to support Ukraine. As the conflict rages on, the decisions made now will not only shape the immediate future of Ukraine but also set the tone for Western resolve in the face of authoritarian aggression. The stakes are high, and the world is watching closely.
