Boris Johnson: If we're willing to send troops to Ukraine during ceasefire, why not do it now?

Former UK prime minister Boris Johnson believes the United Kingdom and its allies should send troops to Ukraine immediately to "flip a switch" in Russian leader Vladimir Putin's head.

Source: European Pravda, citing Johnson in an interview with BBC

Details: Johnson said troops should be deployed to peaceful regions in non-combat roles.

Quote: "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?"

Details: Speaking a few days before the fourth anniversary of the full-scale invasion, Johnson, who was prime minister when it began, also pointed out that if Western allies had paid more attention to Putin's increasing aggression and his 2014 annexation of Crimea, the full-scale war could have been prevented.

When asked if he meant that British and other European allied troops should now be sent to safe areas in Ukraine to "flip the switch", he replied: "Yes, I think, you know, if we are willing to do it in the context of a ceasefire, which of course puts all the initiative, all the power in Putin's hands, why not do it now?"

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

That is a political thing. It's about whether Ukraine is a free country or not. If it's a vassal state of Russia, which is what Putin wants, then obviously it's up to Putin to decide who comes to his country. If it's not, then it's up to the Ukrainians."

Details: In response to Johnson's comments, a UK Defence Ministry spokesperson said: "We are proud of UK leadership on Ukraine - supporting the fight today and working to secure the peace tomorrow".

"It's why this government is providing the highest ever level of military support, including a recent half-billion-pound air defence package just last week, accelerating £200 million for the UK military to prepare for any Ukraine deployment, and working with over 30 nations through the UK-led Coalition of the Willing," the ministry said.

Background:

• Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said the United States would lead ceasefire monitoring after a peace deal with Russia is reached.
• Zelenskyy also indicated that another round of talks with Russia and the US on potential terms for ending the war could take place by the end of February.

Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon!