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In a bold and controversial statement, former Prime Minister Boris Johnson has called for the United Kingdom and its allies to send non-combat troops to Ukraine immediately. He argues that such a move could serve as a psychological strategy to unsettle Russian President Vladimir Putin as the war nears its fourth anniversary. Johnson’s comments, made during an exclusive interview on the BBC’s “Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg,” reflect his ongoing commitment to Ukrainian sovereignty and his frustration with the West’s cautious approach to military support.
A Call to Action
During the interview, Johnson, flanked by former Chief of Defence Staff Admiral Sir Tony Radakin, urged the UK government to deploy forces to peaceful regions of Ukraine in non-fighting roles. “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 questioned, emphasising the need for a proactive stance rather than waiting for a potentially illusory peace.
His remarks come as the UK and its allies are contemplating a “coalition of the willing” to maintain peace in Ukraine, contingent upon a formal resolution to the conflict. Johnson believes that immediate troop deployment would signal a strong commitment to Ukrainian independence and could act as a deterrent against further Russian aggression.
Regrets of the Past
Reflecting on the lead-up to the invasion, Johnson lamented the missed opportunities to confront Putin’s aggressions, notably the annexation of Crimea in 2014. He stated that the West’s inaction during that period not only emboldened Putin but set the stage for the current conflict. “The failure to do anything in Crimea was tragic,” he asserted, adding that a more robust response could have altered the course of events.
Admiral Radakin echoed Johnson’s sentiments, describing the West’s incremental approach as frustratingly slow and detrimental to Ukraine’s defensive efforts. He noted that decision-making has often lagged behind the urgent requests from Ukrainian officials, with vital military support taking months to materialise.
The Implications of Troop Deployment
Johnson’s call for non-combat troops raises critical questions about the potential reactions from Moscow. Historically, Putin has viewed the presence of foreign troops in Ukraine as an act of provocation. After the announcement of a proposed “reassurance force” in September, he declared that any deployed troops would be considered “legitimate targets.”
A spokesperson for the UK Ministry of Defence responded to Johnson’s comments by reaffirming the government’s commitment to supporting Ukraine. The spokesperson highlighted the UK’s record levels of military assistance, including a recent half-billion-pound air defence package, and indicated that preparations for potential troop deployments are already in motion.
The Need for Clarity in Western Resolve
Johnson’s critique extends beyond tactical military support; he challenges the clarity of the West’s commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty. He argues that the lack of a decisive stance has allowed Putin to believe that the West does not regard Ukraine’s freedom as a strategic priority. “Until he sees the evidence that that is our determination, I think he’s just going to keep going,” Johnson warned.
Admiral Radakin also stressed the importance of meeting NATO’s commitment to increase defence spending to 3.5% of national income by 2035, underlining the need for robust military preparedness in the face of ongoing challenges from Russia.
Why it Matters
Johnson’s call to action signifies a potential shift in the West’s posture towards Ukraine, urging immediate military engagement that could redefine the dynamics of international support against Russian aggression. As the conflict drags on, the effectiveness of allied strategies will be tested, and the moral implications of inaction amid escalating losses may weigh heavily on the conscience of Western leaders. The stakes could not be higher, as both Ukraine and global security hang in the balance.
