In a bold call to action, former Prime Minister Boris Johnson has urged the UK and its allies to deploy non-combat troops to Ukraine immediately. Speaking on BBC’s *Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg*, Johnson argued that sending forces to peaceful regions could alter the mindset of Russian President Vladimir Putin, signalling a commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty even before a ceasefire is reached.
A Shift in Strategy
During the interview, Johnson, alongside former military chief Admiral Sir Tony Radakin, emphasised that if the UK is contemplating post-war troop deployments, there’s no logical reason to postpone action now. “If we can have a plan for boots on the ground after the war, then why not do it now?” he questioned, suggesting that a visible international presence could serve as a deterrent against further aggression from Russia.
The UK government is currently contemplating a “coalition of the willing” to stabilise Ukraine, but only in the event of a formal peace agreement. Johnson’s remarks come just days ahead of the fourth anniversary of Russia’s invasion, a conflict he believes could have been averted had Western leaders reacted more decisively to Putin’s earlier actions, such as the annexation of Crimea in 2014.
Reflecting on Missed Opportunities
In a candid reflection, Johnson recalled the chaotic early days of the Ukraine invasion on 24 February 2022. Both he and Sir Tony acknowledged that Western support for Ukraine has often been slow and cautious, a sentiment that has frustrated Ukrainian officials. “We’ve always delayed needlessly,” Johnson stated, pointing out that the incremental approach to military aid has cost lives and prolonged the conflict.
Sir Tony described the allies’ strategy as “incrementalism,” arguing that it had repeatedly put Ukraine in a position of disadvantage. The former military chief reiterated the need for a more robust and timely response to Ukrainian requests for military assistance.
The Government’s Stance
In response to Johnson’s provocative suggestion, Defence Secretary John Healey affirmed that UK troops would only be sent to Ukraine following a peace agreement. He expressed his desire to be the Defence Secretary who could finally deploy British forces to Ukraine, indicating a clear distinction between support during conflict and a peacekeeping presence thereafter.
Meanwhile, a spokesperson from the Ministry of Defence highlighted the UK’s commitment to supporting Ukraine, citing an unprecedented level of military aid, including a recent £500 million air defence package.
Historical Context and Future Implications
Johnson’s comments also touched on the historical context of the conflict, lamenting the West’s failure to confront Putin’s ambitions sooner. He argued that the lack of a strong Western response to prior aggressions—such as the failure to adequately respond to the Syrian regime’s use of chemical weapons—emboldened the Russian leader.
As the war in Ukraine continues to take a devastating toll, Johnson’s call to action raises critical questions about the West’s resolve. The former prime minister believes that only by demonstrating unwavering support for Ukraine can Western nations hope to deter further aggression from Russia.
Why it Matters
Johnson’s insistence on sending troops to Ukraine now, rather than waiting for a ceasefire, signifies a potential shift in Western policy that could redefine international engagement in the conflict. It also highlights the ongoing frustrations with the pace of military support, which many believe has not matched the urgency of the situation on the ground. As the spectre of war looms over Ukraine, the decisions made by Western leaders today will shape the future of European security and the very sovereignty of Ukraine itself.
