Former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has publicly advocated for the immediate deployment of British and European troops to Ukraine, even in the absence of a ceasefire, arguing such a move could fundamentally alter Russian President Vladimir Putin’s calculations. Speaking to the BBC’s Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg program, Johnson asserted that placing non-combat forces in peaceful regions of Ukraine would “flip a switch” in Putin’s thinking, potentially deterring further aggression.
Asked if he meant that UK and other European allies’ forces should head to safe parts of Ukraine now to “flip a switch”, he said: “Yes, I think, you recognize, 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’s call contrasts with the current UK government’s approach, which focuses on planning for a “coalition of the willing” to provide forces for peace preservation *after* a potential ceasefire agreement is reached. This strategy, as reported by the BBC , prioritizes stability following a negotiated finish to the conflict, rather than immediate military presence. Johnson, however, questioned the logic of waiting for a ceasefire, suggesting it cedes initiative to Putin.
The former Prime Minister, who was in office at the time of Russia’s 2022 invasion, likewise criticized Western allies for what he described as a unhurried and cautious response to escalating Russian aggression, specifically citing the 2014 annexation of Crimea. He argued that a more assertive stance earlier could have prevented the full-scale invasion four years later. Both Johnson and former head of the UK military, Admiral Sir Tony Radakin, agreed that support for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky was initially too delayed, with allies taking months to approve requested weaponry, a pattern described as “incrementalism” by Radakin, according to the BBC report.
Johnson’s proposal has sparked debate regarding potential escalation. Putin has previously warned that any troops deployed to Ukraine would be considered “legitimate targets,” a statement reported by The Independent. Despite this warning, Johnson maintained that Ukraine and its supporters should dictate the terms of engagement, not Russia. He suggested that the potential for escalation should not preclude proactive support for Ukraine’s security.
The timing of Johnson’s remarks coincides with the approaching fourth anniversary of the invasion, prompting a renewed focus on the conflict’s trajectory and the strategies employed by Western allies. The Daily Mail reported on Johnson’s belief that a more decisive action is needed to shift the dynamic of the war.
PBS NewsHour reported that Johnson is calling for the deployment of noncombat troops .
As of now, the UK government has not publicly responded to Johnson’s specific call for immediate troop deployment, leaving the question of whether to adopt a more proactive military stance unresolved.
