In a bold call to action, former Prime Minister Boris Johnson has urged the UK government to send non-combat troops to Ukraine immediately, arguing that doing so could potentially alter Russian President Vladimir Putin’s calculations in the ongoing conflict. Speaking on BBC’s Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg, Johnson suggested that if plans are in place for a military presence post-war, then why not take proactive measures now?
Johnson’s Proposal for Immediate Deployment
During the interview, Johnson, alongside former military chief Admiral Sir Tony Radakin, advocated for the deployment of troops to peaceful regions within Ukraine to serve in non-combat roles. “If we can have a plan for boots on the ground after the war, then why not do it now?” he questioned, highlighting the need for a show of support for Ukraine. He emphasized that such a move could “flip a switch” in Putin’s mindset, potentially altering the trajectory of the war.
The UK is currently collaborating with international allies to establish a “coalition of the willing” aimed at ensuring peace and stability in Ukraine. This coalition, however, hinges on a ceasefire agreement, which has yet to be reached. Johnson’s comments come as the conflict nears its fourth anniversary, a stark reminder of the ongoing crisis that has claimed countless lives.
Reflection on Missed Opportunities
Johnson and Sir Tony reflected on the early days of the war, recalling the moment when Russia invaded Ukraine on 24 February 2022. They expressed regret that Western allies had been hesitant and slow in their response, often taking months to deliver the military support that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky urgently requested. Johnson remarked, “We’ve always delayed needlessly,” suggesting that this caution has cost lives and prolonged the conflict.
Sir Tony described the allies’ strategy as “incrementalism,” stating that Ukraine’s needs have been met only after considerable delays, which he found deeply frustrating. He pointed out that this pattern has persisted throughout the war, leaving Ukraine feeling unsupported in its fight against Russian aggression.
Consequences of Inaction
Johnson’s assertions raise critical questions about the West’s approach to the war. He believes that the failure to confront Putin over his annexation of Crimea in 2014 and the lack of decisive action during various crises emboldened the Russian leader. “If we’d had clarity and simplicity about Ukraine… we could have prevented that invasion,” Johnson lamented.
The former PM underscored that the West must demonstrate unwavering commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty, stating, “The real problem is that Putin does not yet believe that the West regards it as an overwhelming strategic objective for Ukraine to be a free and independent European country.” He called for a resolute stance, warning that continued ambiguity would only embolden Russia further.
The Ministry of Defence Responds
In response to Johnson’s call for troop deployment, a spokesperson for the UK Ministry of Defence reiterated the government’s commitment to supporting Ukraine. “We are proud of UK leadership on Ukraine – supporting the fight today and working to secure the peace tomorrow,” they stated, referencing the recent military aid packages provided to Ukraine.
Despite this, Johnson’s suggestion for non-combat troop deployment has ignited a debate about the necessity of a more robust military presence in Ukraine. The potential for such a shift in strategy could have far-reaching implications for both UK foreign policy and the broader international response to the conflict.
Why it Matters
As the war in Ukraine continues to escalate, Johnson’s proposal to deploy non-combat troops now rather than waiting for a ceasefire could represent a pivotal shift in how Western allies engage with the conflict. This call for action not only highlights the urgency of the situation but also underscores the potential consequences of inaction. With lives at stake and the geopolitical landscape shifting, the West must consider its next moves carefully, balancing support for Ukraine with the risks of further provoking an already volatile situation.