In a bold move, former Prime Minister Boris Johnson has called on the UK and its allies to send non-combat troops to Ukraine without delay, arguing that such a deployment could shift the dynamics of the ongoing conflict with Russia. Speaking to Laura Kuenssberg on her BBC programme, Johnson asserted that if plans for troops are already being discussed for a post-war scenario, there’s no reason not to act now.
A Call to Action
Johnson, alongside Admiral Sir Tony Radakin, the former chief of the UK military, advocated for deploying troops to secure peaceful areas of Ukraine. “If we can have a plan for boots on the ground after the war,” he stated, “then why not do it now?” His comments come just days before the fourth anniversary of Russia’s invasion on 24 February 2022, a conflict he believes could have been averted with more decisive action from Western powers.
The UK government is currently formulating a “coalition of the willing” to assist in maintaining stability in Ukraine, but only contingent upon a ceasefire agreement. Johnson expressed frustration that Western allies have often been too slow in responding to Ukraine’s needs, noting that military support has frequently been delayed.
Critique of Western Response
Johnson and Radakin reminisced about the moment the Russian invasion began, highlighting the hesitance of the West to fully back President Volodymyr Zelensky in those crucial early days. They agreed that the incremental approach to military support has been detrimental, with Sir Tony labelling it “deeply frustrating” for Ukraine. Johnson underscored that such delays have cost lives, stating, “We’ve always delayed needlessly.”
He emphasised that providing support to Ukraine not only strengthens their position but serves to undermine Putin. “The one person who suffers from escalation is Putin,” he remarked, arguing that proactive measures now could prevent future escalation.
Government’s Position
Responding to Johnson’s comments, Defence Secretary John Healey reiterated the government’s stance, stating that British troops would only be deployed after a peace agreement is reached. In an opinion piece for The Telegraph, he expressed his desire to be the Defence Secretary who sends troops to Ukraine—indicating a commitment to end the war but stopping short of endorsing Johnson’s suggestion for immediate troop deployment.
A spokesperson for the Ministry of Defence affirmed the UK’s leadership role in supporting Ukraine, highlighting ongoing military assistance and sanctions against Russia. They noted the government’s commitment to providing the highest level of military support to Ukraine, which includes a recent half-billion-pound air defence package.
Historical Context and Future Implications
Reflecting on the roots of the conflict, Johnson lamented the West’s failure to respond decisively to Russia’s annexation of Crimea in 2014, suggesting that it emboldened Putin’s aggressive actions. He argued that the perception of a weakened West following the withdrawal from Afghanistan further facilitated Putin’s ambitions.
Johnson believes the lack of a clear and robust Western strategy regarding Ukraine has allowed the situation to deteriorate. “If we’d had clarity and simplicity about Ukraine, rather than endless fudge and obscurity, we could have prevented that invasion,” he stated.
Why it Matters
As the war in Ukraine nears its fourth anniversary, Johnson’s provocative suggestions highlight a critical inflection point in international policy regarding the conflict. His call for immediate non-combat troop deployment pushes the envelope on what Western allies are willing to consider and reflects a growing urgency for more decisive action. The implications of such a move could redefine the nature of international involvement in Ukraine, potentially altering the trajectory of the conflict and the balance of power in Europe. As civilian casualties mount and the humanitarian crisis deepens, the world watches closely to see if this will prompt a change in strategy—or if the status quo will persist amidst ongoing tragedy.
