Boris Johnson, the former Prime Minister of the UK, has urged the government to consider sending non-combat troops to Ukraine immediately. In an exclusive interview with the BBC’s Laura Kuenssberg, Johnson argued that such a move could alter Russian President Vladimir Putin’s mindset regarding the ongoing war. As the conflict nears its fourth anniversary, Johnson’s remarks come at a critical juncture, suggesting a proactive approach to supporting Ukraine before a potential ceasefire is negotiated.
A Call for Action
During the interview aired on Sunday, Johnson, alongside former military chief Admiral Sir Tony Radakin, stressed the necessity of deploying troops to non-combat roles in safe areas of Ukraine. He questioned the rationale behind planning for a post-war military presence when it could begin now. “If we can have a plan for boots on the ground after the war, why not do it now?” he asked, highlighting the urgency he feels in the face of ongoing violence.
While the UK government is currently collaborating with allies to establish a “coalition of the willing” for peacekeeping efforts, this initiative is contingent on a formal agreement to end hostilities. Johnson’s comments challenge the cautious approach taken thus far, arguing that the West has been too slow to support Ukraine effectively.
Reflecting on Past Mistakes
As he recalled the invasion of Ukraine on 24 February 2022, Johnson expressed regret over the West’s previous failures to confront Putin’s aggression, especially following the annexation of Crimea in 2014. He noted that these past missteps contributed significantly to the current crisis. “The failure to do anything in Crimea was tragic,” Johnson stated, adding that the lack of decisive action emboldened Putin and set the stage for further aggression.
Both Johnson and Sir Tony Radakin acknowledged that Western allies have often delayed military assistance to Ukraine, describing the approach as “incrementalism.” They lamented the frustration felt in Ukraine as requests for military aid have taken too long to be fulfilled, ultimately costing lives.
The Stakes of Military Presence
Johnson’s proposal of sending non-combat troops is not without risks. The presence of international forces—regardless of their role—could be perceived by Putin as a provocation. In previous statements, he has warned that any foreign troops in Ukraine would be viewed as “legitimate targets.” However, Johnson argues that demonstrating support for Ukraine’s sovereignty is crucial. “If Ukraine is not a vassal state of Russia, then it’s up to the Ukrainians to decide who comes to their country,” he asserted.
In response to Johnson’s remarks, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Defence reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to Ukraine, highlighting ongoing military support, including a recent air defence package worth half a billion pounds.
A Defence Spending Dilemma
As the discussion around military involvement unfolds, Admiral Radakin called on the government to fulfil its promise of spending 3.5% of national income on defence by 2035. He argued that with a war in Europe, it is imperative to invest in national security to ensure the UK remains safe in the coming years. Both Johnson and Radakin underscored the importance of clarity and resolve in Western policy towards Ukraine, stating that ambiguity has only served to weaken the international response.
Why it Matters
The implications of Johnson’s call for non-combat troops extend beyond military strategy; they touch on the very nature of Western resolve in the face of aggression. By advocating for a more assertive stance, Johnson highlights the urgent need for allies to demonstrate unwavering support for Ukraine. As the war continues to exact a heavy toll, the question remains: will Western nations respond decisively to prevent further escalation, or will hesitation allow Putin to dictate the future of Ukraine? The stakes have never been higher.