In a bold move, former Prime Minister Boris Johnson has urged the UK and its allies to send non-combat troops to Ukraine without delay. During an exclusive interview on BBC’s *Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg*, Johnson argued that such a deployment would send a critical message to Russian President Vladimir Putin, suggesting it could alter the dynamics of the ongoing conflict.
A Call to Action
Johnson’s statement comes just days before the fourth anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. He posed a provocative question: if the UK is planning to send troops post-conflict, why not do so now in peaceful regions? “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 asserted. His remarks were made alongside former Chief of Defence Staff, Admiral Sir Tony Radakin, who echoed concerns about the sluggish response from Western allies in supporting Ukraine.
Johnson’s call for action highlights the perceived need for a more robust international presence in Ukraine to deter further Russian aggression. Despite extensive military aid from the UK, both he and Sir Tony lamented that the response has often been too cautious and slow. They recalled the early days of the conflict, during which critical decisions regarding support for President Volodymyr Zelensky were made.
Delayed Responses and Missed Opportunities
Reflecting on the past, Johnson expressed regret over missed opportunities to confront Putin’s aggression earlier, particularly regarding the annexation of Crimea in 2014. He indicated that Western allies had underestimated Putin’s ambitions, suggesting that a firmer response could have altered the course of events. “The failure to do anything in Crimea was tragic,” he stated, adding that the lack of decisive action in Syria further emboldened the Russian leader.
Sir Tony critiqued the “incremental” approach of Western nations, stating that Ukraine perceives this as deeply frustrating and insufficient. The two leaders agreed that the hesitation in providing necessary military support has cost lives and prolonged the conflict.
The Government’s Stance
In response to Johnson’s comments, Defence Secretary John Healey reiterated that British troops would only be deployed once a peace deal is reached. He stated, “I want to be the Defence Secretary who deploys British troops to Ukraine – because this will mean that this war is finally over.” Healey’s position underscores the UK government’s current strategy of bolstering military aid without committing to troop deployment while hostilities persist.
The Ministry of Defence also highlighted its ongoing commitment to supporting Ukraine through unprecedented military aid, including a recent £500 million air defence package. This support is part of the broader “coalition of the willing” that the UK is spearheading with over 30 nations.
Why it Matters
Johnson’s call for non-combat troops reflects a growing frustration with the pace of international response to the war. As the conflict grinds on, the implications of such a move could be profound—potentially reshaping the geopolitical landscape and demonstrating a united front against Russian aggression. However, the risks are equally significant, as any troop deployment could provoke a fierce reaction from Moscow, complicating the already delicate situation. With lives hanging in the balance, the question remains: will the West find the resolve to act decisively before it’s too late?
