In a pointed interview with the BBC, former Prime Minister Boris Johnson has urged the UK and its allies to consider deploying non-combat troops to Ukraine immediately. He argues this move could disrupt Russian President Vladimir Putin’s strategies, suggesting that if plans exist for international forces to assist post-conflict, similar actions should be taken now. Johnson’s comments come just days before the fourth anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, a conflict he believes could have been averted.
Calls for Immediate Action
During his appearance on “Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg,” Johnson, accompanied by former Chief of the Defence Staff Admiral Sir Tony Radakin, stated that non-combat personnel should be dispatched to safe areas in Ukraine to signify support for its sovereignty. He expressed frustration with the current pace of international military support, which he characterised as excessively cautious and slow.
“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?” Johnson questioned, emphasising the need for a more proactive stance from the West.
Critique of Western Response
Reflecting on the early days of the conflict, Johnson lamented the hesitance of Western allies to provide timely military aid. He and Sir Tony both noted that the incremental approach taken by allies had left Ukraine feeling unsupported at critical moments. “We’ve always delayed needlessly,” Johnson remarked, attributing the ongoing challenges faced by Ukraine to this lack of urgency.
The former prime minister highlighted that despite significant military aid from the UK, agreements on weapon deliveries have often taken months, allowing Putin to exploit these delays. Sir Tony described the allies’ strategy as “incrementalism,” underscoring the frustration felt in Kyiv as the war drags on.
Historical Context and Regret
Johnson took the opportunity to reflect on the broader historical context of the conflict, suggesting that greater Western resolve following Russia’s annexation of Crimea in 2014 could have changed the course of events. He stated, “The failure to do anything in Crimea was tragic,” and indicated that Putin’s subsequent aggressions were emboldened by perceived Western indecision.
He pointed to the disastrous withdrawal from Afghanistan as a pivotal moment that may have influenced Putin’s calculations. “He’d seen those appalling pictures of Americans being forced to flee Afghanistan and the UK pulling out,” Johnson noted, suggesting that this contributed to a sense of Western vulnerability that Putin capitalised on.
The Future of UK Defence Spending
In light of the ongoing conflict, Admiral Radakin called for the UK government to fulfil its pledge to increase defence spending to 3.5% of national income by 2035, a commitment made during last year’s NATO summit. He stressed the importance of investing in national security amidst the current geopolitical climate, stating, “Russia is weak, but dangerous.”
Johnson backed this call for increased military investment, acknowledging that the UK must demonstrate a robust defence posture to deter further Russian aggression.
Why it Matters
Johnson’s insistence on sending non-combat troops to Ukraine marks a significant shift in the conversation around Western involvement in the conflict. His remarks reveal a growing frustration with the status quo, highlighting the urgent need for decisive action to support Ukraine’s fight for sovereignty. As the war approaches its anniversary, the implications of these discussions could reshape alliances and strategies moving forward, potentially altering the landscape of international relations in Eastern Europe.