Boris Johnson Calls for UK Troops in Ukraine, Faces Backlash

Former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has sparked controversy by advocating for the immediate deployment of British troops to Ukraine. In an interview with the BBC’s Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg, he argued that the West is providing insufficient support to Ukraine, merely preventing losses rather than enabling a victory against Russia. His comments come just ahead of the fourth anniversary of Vladimir Putin‘s invasion of Ukraine.

Johnson stated, “I think we need to show we’re willing to give the Ukrainians the military support,” suggesting that non-combat troops should be sent to Ukraine now. He emphasized the need for a strategic plan for troop deployment, referencing the Labour leader Keir Starmer‘s commitment to send British peacekeeping soldiers if a ceasefire is achieved. “Just make this point that it is up to the Ukrainians,” Johnson added, clarifying that these troops would not be engaged in combat.

His remarks were met with skepticism by the show’s panelists, particularly by Geordie Greig, editor of The Independent. Greig described Johnson’s comments as “reckless and irresponsible,” criticizing his “attention-seeking stance.” He warned that sending unarmed British troops into Ukraine would make them vulnerable to attacks, given Putin’s capability to strike anywhere in the country. Greig suggested Johnson should instead encourage US President Donald Trump to support Ukraine rather than shift blame for the stalled peace negotiations.

In the interview, Johnson also reflected on the West’s response to the invasion, stating that it “should have done more” to deter Putin in 2022. “The real problem is with Ukraine is that Putin does not believe, or he has not yet been convinced, that the West regards it as an overwhelming strategic objective for Ukraine to be a free and independent European country,” he said.

Johnson criticized the White House’s position, asserting that there is a “delusion” in the US regarding Putin’s intentions for peace. He expressed concern that pressuring Ukraine to make further concessions would not lead to an end to the conflict, emphasizing that the war would not conclude without a firm stance from the West.

The former prime minister’s statements reignite discussions about military involvement in Ukraine and the broader geopolitical implications of the ongoing conflict. As the situation evolves, the international community continues to grapple with the appropriate measures to support Ukraine while managing relations with Russia.