Boris Johnson Urges UK, Allies To Deploy Troops To Ukraine Now To ‘Flip A Switch’ In Putin’s Mind

Last Updated:February 21, 2026, 21:29 IST

Boris Johnson urges UK and allies to deploy non-combat troops to Ukraine, arguing it could shift Putin's stance.

Former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has called on Britain and its allies to deploy non-combat troops to Ukraine immediately, arguing that doing so could “flip a switch" in Russian President Vladimir Putin’s thinking.

Speaking to the BBC alongside former Chief of the Defence Staff Adm Sir Tony Radakin, Johnson said forces could be stationed in peaceful regions in non-fighting roles even before a ceasefire is agreed.

“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 said. “There is no logical reason that I can see why we shouldn’t send peaceful ground forces there to show our support for a free, independent Ukraine."

Beyond The Current UK Position

The UK government is currently working with allies on a “coalition of the willing" that would deploy forces to maintain peace and stability in Ukraine but only if a formal deal to end the war is reached.

Johnson’s proposal goes further, suggesting troops could be sent now to safe areas as a political signal. He stressed they would not be deployed in a combat capacity but to demonstrate constitutional support for Ukraine’s sovereignty.

However, such a move would likely be seen by Moscow as a major provocation. Russian President Vladimir Putin previously warned that any foreign troops deployed to Ukraine would be considered “legitimate targets".

In response to Johnson’s remarks, a Ministry of Defence spokesperson said the UK remains focused on providing record levels of military support to Ukraine and preparing for potential future deployment under an agreed peace framework.

Regret Over Western Hesitation

As the war approaches its fourth anniversary, Johnson and Radakin reflected on the early days of the invasion in February 2022 and acknowledged that Western allies had been too slow and cautious in supplying weapons.

Radakin described the approach as “incrementalism", saying Ukraine had often found the delays “deeply frustrating". Johnson added that repeated hesitation had cost lives.

“We’ve always delayed needlessly," Johnson said. “We’ve then ended up giving the Ukrainians what they have been asking for — and it’s always served to their advantage and to the disadvantage of Putin."

‘The War Could Have Been Prevented’

Johnson also argued that Western failures over the past decade emboldened Putin. He described the lack of a strong response to Russia’s annexation of Crimea in 2014 as “tragic" and said inaction in Syria and the chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan further encouraged Moscow.

“I do think we should have done more," Johnson admitted, acknowledging that he had served as both foreign secretary and prime minister during key periods.

He said Putin has not been convinced that the West sees Ukrainian independence as an “overwhelming strategic objective".

“Until he sees the evidence that that is our determination, I think he’s just going to keep going," Johnson warned.

Defence Spending And NATO Commitments

Radakin also pressed the UK government to fulfil its NATO pledge to increase defence spending to 3.5% of national income by 2035.

“There is a war in Europe. Russia is weak, but dangerous," he said, adding that investment is essential to ensure Britain’s security in the coming decade.

A Risky Shift In Strategy

Back in 2022, European allies ruled out sending troops to Ukraine. Shifting to immediate deployment even in non-combat roles would represent a dramatic political shift.

Johnson’s proposal reflects growing frustration among some Western leaders that support has been sufficient to sustain Ukraine’s resistance but not decisive enough to end the war.

Whether allies are prepared to escalate further remains uncertain. As casualties mount on both sides, the question is not only how much pressure the West is willing to apply but whether Putin is willing to change course.

News world Boris Johnson Urges UK, Allies To Deploy Troops To Ukraine Now To ‘Flip A Switch’ In Putin’s Mind

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