Former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson called for the immediate deployment of non-combat troops to Ukraine by the United Kingdom and its European allies, asserting that such a move would demonstrate a genuine commitment to Ukrainian freedom and independence to Russian President Vladimir Putin. Johnson made the appeal in an interview with the BBC, ahead of the fourth anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
According to reports from the Yonhap News Agency, KBS News, and SBS News, Johnson argued that the deployment should consist of forces stationed in peaceful regions of Ukraine, undertaking non-combat missions. He questioned the logic of allowing Putin to dictate the terms of any potential ceasefire by withholding such a demonstration of support. “Why aren’t we doing that now?” Johnson asked in the BBC interview, as reported by multiple sources. “There is no logical reason I can see for not sending peaceful ground troops immediately to demonstrate our support for a free and independent Ukraine.”
Johnson, who frequently visited Ukraine during the early stages of the conflict in 2022, was a vocal supporter of Kyiv’s defense against Russian aggression. His calls for a more assertive Western stance contrast with current discussions surrounding potential troop deployments, which are largely predicated on a post-conflict scenario focused on ceasefire monitoring. The SBS News report specifically highlights this divergence, noting Johnson’s proposal differs from the existing framework for potential Western involvement.
The former Prime Minister’s remarks come as Ukraine prepares to mark the fourth anniversary of the full-scale invasion launched by Russia on February 24, 2022. The Associated Press reported that Johnson made his comments in anticipation of this anniversary. He served as the UK’s Prime Minister during the initial phase of the war, making three visits to Kyiv to express solidarity with the Ukrainian government.
Johnson’s proposal raises questions about the potential for escalating tensions with Russia, despite the proposed non-combat role of the deployed forces. The BBC interview, scheduled for full release on February 22nd, is expected to provide further detail on his rationale and vision for Western involvement in Ukraine. As of Saturday, February 22nd, no immediate response to Johnson’s proposal has been issued by the UK government or other European allies.
