In a bold statement, former Prime Minister Boris Johnson has urged the UK and its allies to send non-combat troops to Ukraine immediately, suggesting that such a move could fundamentally alter Russian President Vladimir Putin’s mindset. In an exclusive interview on BBC’s *Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg*, Johnson, alongside former military chief Admiral Sir Tony Radakin, argued that now is the time to act, rather than waiting for a post-war scenario to deploy troops.
Urgent Call to Action
Johnson’s comments come just days before the four-year mark of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. He questioned the logic behind planning for a military presence in a peacekeeping capacity after a ceasefire but hesitating to send troops to safe areas now. “If we can have a plan for boots on the ground after the war… then why not do it now?” he asked, emphasising the need for a show of support for Ukraine’s sovereignty.
The UK government is currently collaborating with international partners to formulate a “coalition of the willing,” aimed at providing forces to maintain peace in Ukraine, contingent upon a ceasefire agreement. However, Johnson’s proposal to deploy troops in non-combat roles raises significant questions about the potential risks and benefits involved.
Acknowledging Past Mistakes
Reflecting on the events leading to the current conflict, Johnson expressed regret that Western allies failed to adequately respond to Putin’s increasingly aggressive actions, particularly following Russia’s annexation of Crimea in 2014. He lamented that a lack of decisive action at that time contributed to the current crisis, stating, “If we’d had clarity and simplicity about Ukraine, we could have saved that, we could have prevented that invasion.”
Both Johnson and Sir Tony noted that Western allies have been too slow to respond to Ukraine’s requests for military support, describing their approach as “incrementalism.” This delay, they argued, has been detrimental, with Johnson insisting that the cautious stance has cost lives. “We’ve always delayed needlessly,” he stated, pointing out that the Ukrainian forces have often been left waiting for much-needed weaponry.
A Divided Response
While Johnson is advocating for a proactive approach, current Defence Secretary John Healey has made it clear that British troops will only be deployed to Ukraine after a peace deal is reached. In a recent article, Healey expressed his desire to be the Defence Secretary who sends troops to Ukraine, but he reiterated that such a deployment would only happen once the conflict has officially ended.
A spokesperson from the Ministry of Defence affirmed the UK’s commitment to supporting Ukraine through military aid and sanctions against Russia, highlighting the record levels of military assistance the UK has already provided. This response underscores the ongoing debate within the UK government about the best strategy to support Ukraine without escalating the conflict further.
The Provocative Nature of Troop Deployment
Johnson’s call for troop deployment raises the spectre of increased tensions with Russia. Historically, Putin has viewed the presence of foreign troops in Ukraine as provocative, having previously stated that any such forces would be considered “legitimate targets.” The complexities of international diplomacy are further exacerbated by the risk of miscalculations that could lead to broader conflict.
In Johnson’s view, the presence of international peacekeeping forces would send a powerful message of support for Ukraine’s independence. “There is no logical reason that I can see why we shouldn’t send peaceful ground forces there to show our support,” he argued, framing the issue as one of national sovereignty.
Why it Matters
As the war in Ukraine nears its fourth anniversary, Johnson’s proposals highlight the urgent need for a reassessment of Western strategies in dealing with Russia. His call to action serves as a reminder that the stakes are high, and the responses from allied nations could significantly influence the future trajectory of the conflict. The question remains: will the West muster the resolve to act decisively, or will historical hesitations continue to haunt their efforts in supporting Ukraine? With lives hanging in the balance, the time for deliberation may be running out.
