Boris Johnson, the former Prime Minister of the UK, has urged the government to send non-combat troops to Ukraine without delay, asserting that such a move could alter Russian President Vladimir Putin’s mindset. In an exclusive interview on BBC’s Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg, Johnson argued that if the UK plans to send troops to Ukraine post-war, it should do so now to reinforce support for a sovereign Ukraine.
Urgent Call for Action
During the interview, which featured insights from Admiral Sir Tony Radakin, ex-head of the military, Johnson proposed that troops be deployed in non-fighting roles to secure peaceful regions. He stated, “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?”
With the war nearing its fourth anniversary, Johnson reflected on the missed opportunities for preventing the conflict, suggesting that Western nations, including the UK, had been too slow to respond to Putin’s aggression, especially since the annexation of Crimea in 2014.
Acknowledging Past Mistakes
Johnson recounted the onset of the war on February 24, 2022, and the initial decision to support Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. He and Radakin agreed that Western allies have been excessively hesitant in providing the necessary arms, which has hindered Ukraine’s efforts. Sir Tony described this approach as “incrementalism,” expressing frustration with the pace of support. Johnson asserted that this delay has resulted in unnecessary loss of life, stating, “We’ve always delayed needlessly… the one person who suffers from escalation is Putin.”
In his remarks, Johnson highlighted the need for clarity in Western support for Ukraine, arguing that without a resolute stance, including the potential for troop deployment, Putin would remain emboldened.
Defence Secretary’s Response
In contrast, Defence Secretary John Healey reiterated the government’s commitment to sending British troops only after a peace deal has been reached. He expressed his desire to be the Defence Secretary who oversees the deployment of troops, emphasizing that this would signal the end of hostilities. Healey’s comments serve to underline the government’s current strategy, which focuses on military aid rather than troop deployment during ongoing conflict.
A spokesperson for the Ministry of Defence responded to Johnson’s proposal by reaffirming the UK’s leadership in supporting Ukraine. They highlighted the unprecedented level of military assistance provided, including a recent £500 million air defence package, and ongoing collaborative efforts with over 30 nations to form a “Coalition of the Willing.”
The Implications of Troop Deployment
Johnson has previously noted that the failure to confront Putin regarding his actions in Crimea has had dire consequences. He suggested that the cumulative effect of Western hesitance, including failures in Syria and Afghanistan, has emboldened the Russian leader. Johnson lamented, “If we’d had clarity and simplicity about Ukraine… we could have prevented that invasion.”
Moreover, Sir Tony urged the government to honour its commitment to increase defence spending to 3.5% of national income by 2035, citing the ongoing war in Europe as a significant rationale for this investment.
Why it Matters
As the conflict in Ukraine continues to escalate, Johnson’s call for immediate troop deployment raises crucial questions about the West’s commitment to Ukrainian sovereignty and its resolve in facing Russian aggression. His remarks reflect a growing frustration with the current pace of support for Ukraine, suggesting that a more assertive stance may be necessary to deter further Russian advances. With the potential for troop deployment now on the table, the international community must consider the implications for both the conflict and broader geopolitical stability in Europe.
