Key Highlights
- Boris Johnson suggests sending non-combat troops to Ukraine now.
- The UK government is working on a “coalition of the willing” for peacekeeping forces.
- Jackson argues that Western inaction emboldened Putin’s aggression.
- Johnson believes clearer stance could have prevented the invasion.
The Urgency of Immediate Action
Former Prime Minister Boris Johnson has called for an immediate and bold move by the UK to send non-combat troops to Ukraine. Speaking exclusively to Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg, he made a compelling case that if boots on the ground are planned after peace is achieved, why not start now? “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?” Johnson posited.
Johnson’s Analysis of Western Inaction
Johnson, reflecting on the failure of the West to prevent the invasion, highlighted that “the general ambiguity of the Western position” had harmed Ukraine. He cited specific instances where the West failed to confront Putin’s actions: “The failure to do anything in Crimea in 2014 was tragic. I think Putin was further emboldened by what he’d seen in Afghanistan and a sort of general sense that the West was on the back foot.” The former PM emphasized that Western hesitancy had cost lives, “We’ve always delayed needlessly.”
The Political Climate
The timing is crucial. Speaking days before the fourth anniversary of the war, Johnson made it clear that the caution shown by Western allies has been costly. He noted that “we’ve ended up giving the Ukrainians what they have been asking for, and actually it’s always served to their advantage and to the disadvantage of Putin.” Johnson called on the UK government to resolve its commitment to spending 3.5% of national income on defense, stating, “The reason for that commitment was because there is a war in Europe. Russia is weak, but dangerous.”
Implications and Controversies
Johnson’s suggestion goes further than current plans by the UK or other allies, who are still focused on supporting Ukraine with weapons rather than sending troops. The former PM believes that “the one person who suffers from escalation is Putin.” He added, “If we can have boots on the ground after the war, after Putin has condescended to have a ceasefire, then why not do it now?” This move would be a significant political step and could change the dynamics of the conflict.
Adm Sir Tony Radakin, who was one of the architects of the “coalition of the willing,” supported Johnson’s call for immediate action. He described the allies’ approach as “incrementalism” and said Ukraine felt it was “too slow and it’s deeply frustrating.” The UK government responded that it is working with its allies to plan a “coalition of the willing” to provide forces, but only if there is a deal to end the war.
Johnson’s call for immediate action reflects his regret over past decisions.
He stated, “I do think we should have done more.” His suggestion that nearly a decade of foreign policy mistakes led to the current conflict highlights the urgency and complexity of the situation in Ukraine. As the war continues, Western allies must reassess their strategies to ensure they are not merely supporting Ukraine but also working towards a sustainable peace.
