In a bold move, former Prime Minister Boris Johnson has called on the United Kingdom and its allies to send non-combat troops to Ukraine without delay, arguing that such a deployment could shift the mindset of Russian President Vladimir Putin. Speaking on the BBC’s *Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg*, Johnson outlined his rationale alongside former military chief Admiral Sir Tony Radakin, suggesting that a presence of troops in peaceful regions could act as a deterrent against further aggression.
A Call for Action
Johnson’s comments come just ahead of the fourth anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, a conflict he believes could have been avoided with more decisive action from Western allies. “If we can plan for boots on the ground after the war, then why not do it now?” he questioned, highlighting the urgency of the situation. The UK government is currently collaborating with other nations to establish a “coalition of the willing”—a task force intended to maintain peace in Ukraine, but only if a ceasefire agreement is reached.
Reflecting on the early days of the invasion, Johnson lamented the slow response from Western powers, admitting that the allies had often taken too long to deliver the military support requested by Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky. He described this approach as “incrementalism,” which he believes led to unnecessary delays that cost lives.
A Frustrating Stalemate
Both Johnson and Sir Tony expressed frustration at the cautious pace of military aid, with Sir Tony stating that Ukraine had felt the support from allies was “too slow and deeply frustrating.” This hesitance has created a situation where Putin may feel emboldened by a lack of decisive action on the part of the West. Johnson stressed that the longer allies wait to show their commitment, the more it plays into Putin’s hands.
“We’ve always delayed needlessly,” Johnson asserted. “The one person who suffers from escalation is Putin.” He urged that if there is a plan to send forces to Ukraine in the event of a ceasefire, the UK should not hesitate to act now to demonstrate unwavering support for Ukraine’s sovereignty.
The Implications of a Ground Presence
The prospect of UK and European troops operating in Ukraine, even in a non-combat capacity, raises significant diplomatic and military concerns. Johnson noted that this would send a clear message about the West’s commitment to Ukraine’s independence. However, it’s crucial to acknowledge that such a move could be viewed by Putin as a provocation. The Russian leader has previously warned that any foreign troops entering Ukraine would be considered “legitimate targets.”
In response to Johnson’s remarks, a spokesperson from the Ministry of Defence reiterated the UK’s commitment to supporting Ukraine, highlighting the recent military aid packages and collaborative efforts with over 30 nations. They emphasised that the UK is providing a record level of support to Ukraine while also preparing for future deployments, if necessary.
Historical Context and Future Considerations
Johnson’s reflections on the conflict also pointed to historical missteps that he believes have emboldened Putin. He cited the failure to adequately respond to the annexation of Crimea in 2014 as a pivotal moment that set the stage for the current war. “The failure to do anything in Crimea was tragic,” he remarked, attributing a sense of impunity to Putin’s subsequent actions, including the invasion of Ukraine.
As the anniversary of the war approaches, Johnson’s insights serve as a stark reminder of the potential consequences of indecision in foreign policy. He warned that until the West demonstrates a clear and resolute commitment to Ukraine’s independence, Putin is unlikely to alter his aggressive posture.
Why it Matters
Boris Johnson’s call for immediate deployment of non-combat troops to Ukraine marks a potentially transformative moment in the ongoing conflict. As the situation remains precarious, the international community faces a critical choice: to bolster their support for Ukraine decisively or risk further emboldening an aggressive Russia. Johnson’s insights underscore the urgent need for clarity and action, as the stakes continue to rise for both Ukraine and global stability.