In a bold call to action, former Prime Minister Boris Johnson has urged the UK and its allies to send non-combat troops to Ukraine without delay. In an exclusive interview on BBC’s Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg, Johnson argued that such a move could shift Russian President Vladimir Putin’s mindset amidst ongoing hostilities. His remarks come just ahead of the fourth anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
A Call for Peacekeeping Forces
Johnson, accompanied by former Chief of the Defence Staff Admiral Sir Tony Radakin, suggested deploying troops to secure peaceful regions of Ukraine. He asserted, “If we can have a plan for boots on the ground after the war, why not do it now?” This statement challenges the current UK government’s approach, which is focused on forming a “coalition of the willing” to provide military support only in the event of a peace agreement.
The former Prime Minister reflected on the early days of the conflict, expressing regret over the West’s slow response to Russian aggression, which he believes contributed to the escalation of the war. He recalled the invasion that began on 24 February 2022, lamenting that more decisive action could have potentially altered the course of events.
The Need for Urgency
Both Johnson and Sir Tony Radakin emphasised that the West’s incremental approach to supporting Ukraine has been detrimental. They noted that crucial military aid often took months to materialise, with Johnson remarking that “needless delays” have cost lives. He stated, “The one person who suffers from escalation is Putin,” urging that proactive measures be taken now to demonstrate unwavering support for Ukraine’s sovereignty.
The discussion highlighted a significant point: if Western nations are willing to send troops to Ukraine under a ceasefire agreement, there’s no logical rationale for delaying such a deployment in the current climate. Johnson’s perspective is that immediate support could reinforce Ukraine’s independence and challenge Putin’s narrative of control.
Historical Context and Regret
Reflecting on the backdrop of the conflict, Johnson lamented that the failure to confront Russia’s annexation of Crimea in 2014 was a pivotal moment that emboldened Putin. He suggested that Western indecision following the Syrian civil war and the chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan further reinforced the Kremlin’s aggressive posture. “If we’d had clarity about Ukraine, rather than endless fudge, we could have prevented that invasion,” he stated.
Sir Tony also addressed the UK’s defence spending commitments, urging the government to honour its pledge to allocate 3.5% of national income to defence by 2035. He noted that while the UK currently enjoys security as a nuclear power and a NATO member, sustained investment is crucial for future safety as geopolitical tensions persist.
Government Response and Political Implications
In response to Johnson’s remarks, a Ministry of Defence spokesperson reiterated the UK’s commitment to leading efforts in supporting Ukraine, citing unprecedented military assistance, including a recent £500 million air defence package. However, the government has not indicated a willingness to deploy troops at this stage, maintaining that the focus remains on securing peace through military support and international collaboration.
Johnson’s proposal challenges the conventional wisdom around military involvement, positing that an earlier, more robust presence of international forces could have altered the dynamics of the conflict. His comments have reignited discussions about the effectiveness of the UK and its allies’ strategies in addressing Russian aggression.
Why it Matters
As the war in Ukraine nears its fourth year, Johnson’s insistence on sending non-combat troops underscores a critical juncture in Western policy. The former Prime Minister’s views reveal deep frustrations with the current approach, suggesting that a more proactive stance could bolster Ukraine’s fight for sovereignty and deter further Russian advances. As the situation evolves, the implications of this debate could reshape international responses to future conflicts, influencing how Western nations engage with aggressive regimes.
