Johnson Calls for Immediate Troop Deployment to Ukraine

Former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has urged the United Kingdom and its European allies to immediately deploy non-combat troops to Ukraine, a move he believes would demonstrate unwavering commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty and independence and potentially alter the calculus of Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Shifting the Strategy: From Ceasefire Support to Proactive Deployment

Speaking ahead of the fourth anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion, Johnson argued that the current approach of planning for a multinational force to secure a potential ceasefire places undue power in Putin’s hands. He questioned why such a deployment couldn’t occur now, even without a ceasefire agreement. “If we are willing to do it in the context of a ceasefire… why not do it now?” Johnson stated in excerpts of a BBC interview reported by the BBC. “There is no logical reason that I can see why we shouldn’t send peaceful ground forces there to show our support.”

This proposal represents a significant departure from the current strategy, which envisions a “coalition of the willing” deploying troops to Ukraine only after a peace agreement is reached, primarily to maintain stability and enforce a ceasefire as detailed by the Associated Press.

Concerns and Counterarguments

Western military planners have expressed concern that such a move could be perceived as an escalation by Russia. Putin himself has warned that any troops deployed to Ukraine would be considered “legitimate targets” according to the Independent.

However, Johnson countered that allowing Putin to dictate terms is unacceptable. He emphasized that Ukraine’s allies should support the nation’s right to self-determination, regardless of Russia’s objections. “It’s about whether Ukraine is a free country or not,” he said.

UK Government Response

The British Ministry of Defence acknowledged the ongoing work with the coalition of the willing to prepare for troop deployment after a ceasefire. In a statement, the ministry affirmed the UK’s commitment to deploying British troops to Ukraine following the finish of hostilities as reported by PBS.

Historical Context: A Pattern of Emboldening Putin

Johnson attributed the current conflict to a series of perceived Western failures, including the response to the annexation of Crimea in 2014, the lack of consequences for the apply of chemical weapons in Syria, and the withdrawal from Afghanistan. He argued that these events emboldened Putin, leading to the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

“I think Putin was emboldened by a Western failure in Syria to punish Assad for using chemical weapons,” Johnson said. He also pointed to the chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan as a signal of Western weakness.