In a bold call to action, former Prime Minister Boris Johnson has urged the UK and its allies to send non-combat troops to Ukraine immediately. Speaking on the BBC’s *Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg*, Johnson argued that deploying forces in peaceful areas could shift the dynamics of the ongoing conflict with Russia, potentially influencing President Vladimir Putin’s decision-making.
Troops in Peaceful Regions
Johnson, joined by former military chief Admiral Sir Tony Radakin, highlighted the necessity for international presence in Ukraine. He suggested that if a post-war deployment was being considered, there was no logical reason not to act now. “If we can have a plan for boots on the ground after the war, then why not do it now?” he questioned, emphasising the importance of showing solidarity with a free and independent Ukraine.
The UK is currently collaborating with allies to form a “coalition of the willing” aimed at stabilising Ukraine, contingent on a peace agreement. Johnson’s comments come as the war nears its fourth anniversary, a period he believes could have been shaped differently had Western nations responded more decisively to Putin’s expansionist actions, particularly during the 2014 annexation of Crimea.
A Critical View on Western Responses
Reflecting on the West’s initial response to the invasion, both Johnson and Radakin agreed that support for Ukraine was often slow and hesitant. “We’ve always delayed needlessly,” Johnson remarked, asserting that the reluctance to provide timely assistance had cost lives. The former Prime Minister expressed frustration at what he described as an “incremental” approach from Western allies, which he believes left Ukraine feeling unsupported in its time of need.
Sir Tony echoed these sentiments, labelling the cautious strategy as deeply frustrating for Ukrainian forces. He noted that the delays in sending arms had made an already precarious situation even more dire.
Historical Lessons and Regrets
Johnson did not shy away from expressing his regrets regarding past foreign policy decisions. He described the failure to act decisively against Putin’s aggression as “tragic,” suggesting that the lack of a unified Western stance following the annexation of Crimea had emboldened the Russian leader. “The general ambiguity of the Western position had harmed Ukraine,” he asserted, indicating that a clearer response could have potentially deterred the invasion.
He further elaborated on how the chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021 may have played a role in Putin’s calculations, reinforcing a perception of Western weakness. “Until he sees the evidence that we regard Ukraine as a strategic objective, he’s just going to keep going,” Johnson warned, highlighting the ongoing challenges of deterrence.
The Ministry of Defence Responds
In response to Johnson’s provocative suggestions, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Defence reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to supporting Ukraine. They pointed to the unprecedented levels of military aid provided, including a recent £500 million air defence package and accelerated funding for military preparedness.
The spokesperson stated, “We are proud of UK leadership on Ukraine – supporting the fight today and working to secure the peace tomorrow.” However, Johnson’s call for immediate troop deployment raises significant questions about the West’s future approach to the conflict.
Why it Matters
Johnson’s plea for non-combat troops marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing dialogue surrounding the Ukraine crisis. It challenges the current cautious approach of Western allies and prompts a reassessment of how best to support Ukraine in its struggle against Russian aggression. As the war grinds on, the implications of such a move could reshape not only the battlefield dynamics but also the broader geopolitical landscape in Europe. With mounting casualties on both sides, the urgency for decisive action has never been clearer.
