Former Prime Minister Boris Johnson has made a bold intervention in the Ukraine conflict, calling for the UK and its allies to deploy "peaceful ground forces" immediately to "flip a switch" in Vladimir Putin’s head.
Speaking exclusively to the BBC’s Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg alongside former military chief Admiral Sir Tony Radakin, Johnson argued that Western allies have been "too slow and cautious" throughout the four-year conflict. He suggested that putting boots on the ground in non-combat roles would signal an "iron-clad resolve" that could finally bring the war to an end.
"Why Not Do It Now?"
The former Prime Minister questioned the logic of current Government plans, which only involve sending troops after a peace deal has been reached.
"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 asked. He proposed that UK forces should be sent to peaceful, non-fighting regions to provide "constitutional support" for a free and independent Ukraine.
Johnson warned that until Putin is convinced the West regards Ukraine’s independence as an "overwhelming strategic objective," the Russian leader will continue his aggression.
Criticising "Western Incrementalism"
Reflecting on the lead-up to the 2022 invasion, Johnson admitted to "tragic" failures during his own time in government and under his predecessor, David Cameron. He pointed to the lack of a strong response to the 2014 annexation of Crimea as a key moment that emboldened the Kremlin.
Admiral Sir Tony Radakin echoed these sentiments, describing the West’s approach as "incrementalism." He noted that while support has been extensive, it has often been "deeply frustrating" for Kyiv due to the months of delays in approving vital weaponry.
"We've always delayed needlessly," Johnson added. "The one person who suffers from escalation is Putin."
The Government’s Response
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) responded to the comments by highlighting the UK's current leadership role. A spokesperson noted that the government is providing the "highest ever level of military support," including a recent half-billion-pound air defence package.
Defence Secretary John Healey, writing in The Telegraph, reiterated the government’s stance: British troops will only be deployed as part of a "Coalition of the Willing" once a peace agreement is finalized.
"I want to be the Defence Secretary who deploys British troops to Ukraine—because this will mean that this war is finally over," Healey wrote, setting a target for the conflict to end by the close of 2026.
A Risky Strategy?
Johnson’s proposal marks a significant shift from current NATO policy. While the UK and France have designated military units for potential post-war peacekeeping, a "pre-ceasefire" deployment would likely be viewed by Moscow as a major provocation.
In late 2025, Vladimir Putin warned that any international troops on Ukrainian soil would be considered "legitimate targets." However, Johnson dismissed this as bluster, arguing that the initiative must be taken away from the Kremlin to ensure Ukraine does not become a "vassal state."
