LONDON (AP) — Former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has called for the immediate deployment of noncombat troops to Ukraine by the U.K. and its European allies. He believes that such a move would demonstrate to Russian President Vladimir Putin that Western nations are genuinely committed to Ukraine’s freedom and independence. Johnson's comments come as the fourth anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine approaches.
In an interview set to be broadcast on Sunday, the staunch supporter of Ukraine during his tenure as Prime Minister expressed that these troops should be stationed in peaceful areas, engaging in non-fighting roles. Johnson's proposal represents a significant policy shift for the U.K. and its allies, as current plans by a "coalition of the willing" to send troops to Ukraine are contingent upon achieving an agreement to end the fighting, with future deployments intended primarily to monitor any ceasefire.
Johnson questioned the rationale behind waiting for a ceasefire to send troops to Ukraine, stating, "If we are willing to do it in the context of a ceasefire... why not do it now?" He underscored that showing support through peaceful ground forces would express a strong commitment to an independent Ukraine.
Concerns among Western military planners have so far prevented a public discussion of such troop deployments, primarily due to fears that Russia might view it as an escalation of the conflict. In September, Putin dismissed Western proposals for a peacekeeping force, insisting that any troops sent to Ukraine would be seen as "legitimate targets."
Johnson argued that Putin should not dictate the terms to Ukraine and its allies, emphasizing that the situation is about Ukraine’s sovereignty. "If it’s a vassal state of Russia... then it’s up to Putin to decide who comes to his country. If it’s not, then it’s up to the Ukrainians," he stated firmly.
When approached for a response to Johnson’s statements, the U.K.'s Ministry of Defense reiterated that the government is actively collaborating with the coalition of the willing to prepare future troop deployments to Ukraine, contingent upon a ceasefire. They asserted that a multinational force led by the U.K. will ensure long-term peace, confirming the commitment to place British troops on the ground following the cessation of hostilities.
Additionally, Johnson highlighted his belief that the conflict stems from the West's failure to sufficiently support Ukraine after the 2014 invasion of Crimea, along with the lack of repercussions for Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad’s use of chemical weapons against his own people and the chaotic U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan. He posited that these failures have emboldened Putin, particularly after witnessing the events in Afghanistan in February 2022, which showcased a perceived weakness in the West.
Johnson concluded by asserting that the ramifications of these geopolitical events have contributed to the current crisis, describing an overarching sense that the West was retreating in the face of aggression.
