Former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has called for Western nations to send troops to Ukraine, a proposal that significantly escalates the debate over military intervention as the conflict with Russia nears its second anniversary. Johnson, speaking publicly, expressed regret that the war could have been avoided, attributing its origins to failures of Western policy over nearly a decade, including decisions made during his time as both Foreign Secretary and Prime Minister.
The suggestion to deploy troops, a move that goes beyond current discussions among the UK and its allies, was made alongside former Chief of the Defence Staff, General Sir Patrick Radakin. Radakin was involved in prior planning for a potential military deployment linked to a prospective peace agreement, according to reports. Back in 2022, European nations pledged support to Ukraine but explicitly ruled out sending troops, a position Johnson now appears to challenge.
Johnson’s call comes amid frustration with the pace of Western support for Ukraine, arguing that current aid levels are sufficient to prevent defeat but insufficient to secure a decisive victory. He and Radakin both emphasized the view that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has already made concessions, and that intensified pressure on the Kremlin – both economically and militarily – is the only path to peace. Johnson reportedly told the White House that he believes it is “deluded” to consider Russian President Vladimir Putin desires a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
The former Prime Minister’s comments follow criticism of former US President Donald Trump’s recent remarks regarding Ukraine. Johnson has publicly condemned Trump’s “peace plan” and described Trump’s welcoming attitude towards Putin as “sick-making,” according to reports from Ukrinform and politico.eu.
Whereas Johnson advocates for a more assertive military stance, the willingness of Western allies to further escalate their involvement remains uncertain. The potential for alternative strategies, such as establishing a safe zone in western Ukraine or reopening Lviv airport as a precursor to a ceasefire, has been discussed, but no concrete plans have been announced. The current position of Western governments remains focused on providing Ukraine with the resources to continue fighting, while the Kremlin has not signaled any willingness to negotiate a resolution.
