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Former Prime Minister Boris Johnson has called for the immediate deployment of non-combat troops to Ukraine, asserting that such a move could significantly alter Russian President Vladimir Putin’s calculations. In an exclusive interview with Laura Kuenssberg, Johnson proposed that UK and allied forces should be stationed in peaceful areas of Ukraine to demonstrate unwavering support for its sovereignty.
Immediate Deployment Suggested
During the interview, which aired on Sunday, Johnson highlighted the urgency of sending troops to Ukraine before any potential ceasefire, questioning the rationale behind waiting for a formal peace agreement. “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 asked, suggesting that such a presence could “flip a switch” in Putin’s mindset regarding the ongoing conflict.
Johnson’s comments come as the UK government collaborates with international partners to form a “coalition of the willing” aimed at ensuring stability in Ukraine, contingent upon a ceasefire agreement. This coalition has yet to consider troop deployment as a current option, with the focus primarily on providing military aid and support.
A History of Missed Opportunities
Reflecting on the past, Johnson lamented that the war, which began on February 24, 2022, might have been avoided if Western nations had responded more decisively to Putin’s aggressions, particularly his annexation of Crimea in 2014. Both Johnson and Admiral Sir Tony Radakin, the former head of the military, agreed that the West’s response has often been sluggish, with critical decisions on military support taking months to materialise.
Sir Tony characterised this approach as “incrementalism,” asserting that Ukraine has consistently felt frustrated by the pace of support. Johnson echoed this sentiment, stating, “We’ve always delayed needlessly,” and emphasised that timely assistance could have shifted the balance in favour of Ukraine, rather than allowing Putin to gain the upper hand.
The Cost of Caution
The former Prime Minister expressed regret over the lack of urgency in addressing the conflict, arguing that the West’s hesitance has resulted in unnecessary loss of life. He posited that the West’s failure to confront Putin’s earlier aggressions has emboldened the Russian leader. Johnson stated, “If we’d had clarity and simplicity about Ukraine, rather than endless fudge and obscurity, we could have saved that,” referring to the missed opportunities leading up to the invasion.
Moreover, Sir Tony urged the UK government to honour its commitment to increase defence spending to 3.5% of national income by 2035, a pledge made during last year’s NATO summit. He emphasised the need for robust investment in national security, particularly in light of the ongoing war in Europe.
A Shift in Strategy?
Johnson’s call for troop deployment marks a significant shift from the previous UK and allied stance, which had not considered sending troops during the conflict. While the notion of ground forces in Ukraine may seem radical, both Johnson and Sir Tony believe that intensified pressure on the Kremlin—both economically and militarily—is essential for reaching a peaceful resolution. Johnson described it as “deluded” to think that Putin genuinely desires peace.
This new perspective comes amid growing frustrations over the pace of military support for Ukraine and the ongoing toll of the conflict on civilians and soldiers alike. With the war approaching its fourth anniversary, the urgency for a decisive strategy has never been more pressing.
Why it Matters
Johnson’s advocacy for non-combat troops underscores a critical moment in the international response to the Ukraine crisis. As the war continues to exact a heavy toll, the debate over how far Western allies should go in supporting Ukraine is intensifying. His remarks may provoke a re-evaluation of current strategies among NATO allies, potentially leading to a more robust military commitment to ensure Ukraine’s sovereignty. The implications of this discussion are profound, not just for Ukraine’s future but for the broader geopolitical landscape.
