Boris Johnson Calls for UK & Allies to Deploy Troops to Ukraine Now

LONDON — Former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has called for the immediate deployment of non-combat troops from the United Kingdom and its European allies to Ukraine, arguing that such a move would demonstrate unwavering Western commitment to the country’s sovereignty and independence. The proposal, made ahead of the fourth anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion, seeks to signal resolve to Moscow and bolster Kyiv’s position.

Speaking to the BBC, Johnson suggested these troops be stationed in peaceful regions of Ukraine, undertaking non-fighting roles. He questioned the logic of planning for a post-conflict peacekeeping force while simultaneously deferring action until a ceasefire is negotiated, a situation he believes effectively cedes initiative to Russian President Vladimir Putin. “If we are willing to do it in the context of a ceasefire, which of course puts all the initiative, all the power, in Putin’s hands, why not do it now?” Johnson stated. “There is no logical reason that I can see why we shouldn’t send peaceful ground forces there to show our support, our constitutional support for a free, independent Ukraine.”

The suggestion represents a significant potential shift in Western policy towards Ukraine. Currently, a “coalition of the willing” is being assembled with the intention of deploying forces only after a peace agreement is reached, with the primary objective of policing a ceasefire. Johnson’s proposal would preemptively establish a Western military presence, potentially acting as a deterrent and bolstering Ukraine’s security in the ongoing conflict.

However, Western military planners have expressed caution regarding such a move, citing concerns that Russia could interpret it as an escalation of hostilities. In September, Putin explicitly warned that any foreign troops deployed to Ukraine would be considered “legitimate targets,” raising the stakes considerably. Johnson dismissed this concern, asserting that Putin should not be allowed to dictate terms to Ukraine and its allies. “It’s about whether Ukraine is a free country or not,” he said. “If it’s a vassal state of Russia, which is what Putin wants, then obviously it’s up to Putin to decide who comes to his country. If it’s not, then it’s up to the Ukrainians.”

The UK Ministry of Defence responded to Johnson’s comments by reaffirming the government’s commitment to preparing for the deployment of troops to Ukraine following a ceasefire, as part of the existing “coalition of the willing.” A statement released by the ministry confirmed that preparations are underway for a multinational force led by the UK to “secure peace for the long term,” with British troops slated to be deployed once hostilities cease.

Johnson also attributed the current conflict, in part, to perceived Western failures in the past. He argued that a lack of robust response to Russia’s 2014 annexation of Crimea, coupled with inaction regarding the use of chemical weapons by the Syrian regime under Bashar al-Assad and the chaotic 2021 withdrawal of U.S. Forces from Afghanistan, emboldened Putin. “I think Putin was emboldened by a Western failure in Syria to punish Assad for using chemical weapons,” he said. He further suggested that the scenes from Afghanistan, with American and British forces withdrawing amidst the Taliban’s resurgence, contributed to a perception of Western weakness.

“I think Putin was further emboldened in February 2022 by what he’d seen in Afghanistan, and a sort of general sense that the West was on the back foot. He’d seen those appalling pictures of Americans being forced to flee Afghanistan and the UK pulling out as well, and that really did embolden him.”

The timing of Johnson’s intervention is significant, coming just days before the fourth anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion on February 24, 2022. His remarks are likely to fuel debate within Western capitals regarding the appropriate level of support for Ukraine and the potential risks and benefits of a more assertive military posture. While the current focus remains on providing Kyiv with the weapons and training it needs to defend itself, Johnson’s proposal raises the possibility of a more direct Western role in securing Ukraine’s future.

The proposal also comes as Western allies have been criticized for what some perceive as a slow and cautious approach to providing aid to Ukraine. According to both Johnson and former head of the UK military, Admiral Sir Tony Radakin, allies have often taken months to agree on the delivery of requested weaponry, frustrating Ukrainian officials. This perceived “incrementalism,” as described by Sir Tony, has led to tensions and a sense that Western support has been insufficient to decisively alter the course of the conflict.