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Former Prime Minister Boris Johnson has called for the immediate deployment of non-combat military personnel from the UK and its allies to Ukraine. His argument centers on the idea that sending such forces now, to relatively safe areas and in non-fighting roles, could serve as a significant psychological signal to Russian President Vladimir Putin. Speaking alongside former Chief of the Defence Staff Adm Sir Tony Radakin on the program *Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg*, Johnson questioned the logic behind planning for ground troops only after the war ends. He stated, “If we can have a plan for boots on the ground after the war, after Putin has condescended to have a ceasefire, then why not do it now?”
Currently, the UK government is collaborating with international partners on a plan often referred to as a “coalition of the willing,” aimed at sending forces to help maintain peace and stability in Ukraine—but strictly on the condition that a peace deal is reached. Reflecting on the conflict’s origins just before the war’s fourth anniversary, Johnson expressed regret that Western nations failed to properly address Putin’s earlier acts of aggression, including the 2014 annexation of Crimea. Both Johnson and Sir Tony recounted the initial stage of the war, beginning on 24 February 2022, when Russia launched its full-scale invasion, and the subsequent decisions about how best to support Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
Despite ongoing support, Johnson and Radakin admitted that the response from Western allies has often been hesitant and delayed. They criticized the slow pace at which requested military aid has been approved and deployed, with Sir Tony calling the approach “incrementalism,” which Ukrainian officials found “deeply frustrating.” Johnson emphasized that these delays have had fatal consequences, asserting, “We’ve always delayed needlessly,” while also noting that when aid is finally provided, it has consistently worked to Ukraine’s benefit and to Putin’s detriment. He maintained that the escalation ultimately harms Putin and questioned why non-combat troops could not be sent now to underscore support for Ukraine’s sovereignty.
Johnson cautioned that Russia would likely see any foreign troop deployment, whether in a peacekeeping role or not, as highly provocative. The UK Ministry of Defence responded by highlighting ongoing British leadership in military assistance to Ukraine, including the recent delivery of significant air defense packages and preparations involving over 30 allied nations. Furthermore, Johnson reflected critically on the Western failure to act firmly against Putin’s earlier moves in Crimea and Syria, linking that hesitancy to Putin’s confidence in launching the 2022 invasion. He
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