Former Prime Minister Boris Johnson has urged the UK and its allies to dispatch non-combat troops to Ukraine immediately, arguing that such a move could influence Russian President Vladimir Putin’s strategic calculations. In an exclusive interview on BBC’s *Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg*, Johnson, alongside Admiral Sir Tony Radakin, underscored the importance of demonstrating support for Ukraine in the face of ongoing hostilities.
A Call for Immediate Action
Johnson’s proposal comes just days before the fourth anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. He questioned the rationale behind waiting for a ceasefire agreement to deploy troops, stating, “If we can have a plan for boots on the ground after the war, why not do it now?” His comments reflect a sense of urgency that he believes has been lacking in the West’s response to the conflict.
The former PM suggested that UK troops could operate in safe areas of Ukraine, fulfilling roles that would not involve direct combat. This, he believes, would send a strong signal of solidarity with the Ukrainian government led by President Volodymyr Zelensky. Johnson’s remarks highlight a growing impatience with what he describes as a torturous pace of support from Western allies, which he claims has often delayed critical military aid.
Reflecting on Past Mistakes
During the interview, Johnson and Sir Tony reflected on the early days of the war, recalling the decisions taken to back Ukraine against Russian aggression. They lamented that the West had been too slow to respond, with Johnson asserting that indecision has cost lives. “We’ve always delayed needlessly,” he remarked, emphasising that timely support would have been advantageous for Ukraine and detrimental to Putin’s ambitions.
Johnson pointed to the failure to adequately respond to Putin’s annexation of Crimea in 2014 as a pivotal moment that emboldened the Russian leader. He cited the West’s indecisiveness in other global conflicts, such as Syria and Afghanistan, as further factors that contributed to the current situation. “If we’d had clarity and simplicity about Ukraine… we could have prevented that invasion,” he stated, reflecting on what he sees as a tragic oversight.
Defence Spending Under Scrutiny
Admiral Radakin also weighed in on the importance of defence spending, reiterating the need for the government to fulfil its commitment to allocate 3.5% of national income to defence by 2035. He noted, “Russia is weak, but dangerous,” urging the UK to bolster its military readiness in a time of heightened tensions.
The former military chief’s comments come as the Ministry of Defence continues to outline its strategy to support Ukraine, including recent military aid packages. A spokesperson reaffirmed the government’s commitment to being a leading ally for Ukraine, while also highlighting the logistical challenges associated with sending troops.
Potential Ramifications and Responses
The prospect of sending troops to Ukraine, even in non-combat roles, presents a complex diplomatic challenge. Johnson’s call has raised eyebrows, as any international troop presence could be viewed as a provocation by Moscow. Putin has previously stated that foreign troops would become “legitimate targets,” underscoring the risks involved.
As Johnson’s remarks circulate, questions arise regarding the willingness of Western allies to escalate their involvement. While some may see his suggestion as radical, others believe it reflects a necessary shift in strategy to tackle the ongoing crisis decisively.
Why it Matters
Boris Johnson’s advocacy for deploying non-combat troops to Ukraine signals a significant potential shift in Western policy towards the conflict, emphasising the need for a robust display of support for Ukraine amidst ongoing aggression from Russia. As the war approaches its fourth year, the stakes are higher than ever, and the international community must consider the implications of its choices carefully. The balance between supporting Ukraine and avoiding outright confrontation with Russia remains delicate, and Johnson’s comments may prompt renewed discussions about the West’s approach to achieving a lasting peace.
