Boris Johnson calls for immediate deployment of noncombat troops to Ukraine
Current Western policy only envisions troops after a ceasefire agreement
Putin has previously rejected peacekeeping forces, calling them 'legitimate targets'
Johnson links the war to Western failures in Syria and Afghanistan
Britain's Ministry of Defense confirms plans for post-ceasefire troop deployment
📖 Full Retelling
Former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson called on the U.K. and its European allies to immediately deploy noncombat troops to Ukraine in London on February 21, 2026, demonstrating to Russian President Vladimir Putin Western commitment to Ukraine's freedom and independence. Speaking ahead of the fourth anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Johnson told the BBC that the troops should be sent to peaceful regions in non-fighting roles. The comments from Johnson, who was one of Ukraine's staunchest supporters as Britain's leader during the first months of the conflict, represent a significant shift in Western policy.
While current plans for a "coalition of the willing" only envision troop deployment after a ceasefire agreement to police such a truce, Johnson questioned why Western nations should wait. "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?" he asked. Western military planners have avoided discussing such a move publicly out of concern that Russia would view it as an escalation of the conflict. Putin previously rejected Western proposals for a peacekeeping force, stating any troops deployed to Ukraine would be "legitimate targets."
Britain's Ministry of Defense responded by noting the government continues to work with coalition partners to prepare for troop deployment after hostilities end, stating "The multinational force Ukraine under UK leadership will secure peace for the long term, with the Prime Minister being clear that we will put British troops on the ground following the end of hostilities." Johnson suggested the war resulted from Western failures, including inadequate support for Ukraine after the 2014 Crimea invasion, failure to punish Bashar al-Assad for chemical weapons use in Syria, and the chaotic U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan, which he claimed emboldened Putin.
🏷️ Themes
International Relations, Military Strategy, Western Policy, Conflict Resolution
Prime Minister of the United Kingdom from 2019 to 2022
Alexander Boris de Pfeffel Johnson (born 19 June 1964) is a British politician and writer who served as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom and Leader of the Conservative Party from 2019 to 2022. He was previously Foreign Secretary from 2016 to 2018 and the second mayor of London from 2008 to 2016....
# Ukraine
**Ukraine** is a country located in Eastern Europe. It is the second-largest country in Europe by area, after Russia. Known for its extensive fertile plains, the nation serves as a critical global exporter of grain and is considered a middle power in international affairs.
## Geography a...
Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin (born 7 October 1952) is a Russian politician and former intelligence officer who has served as President of Russia since 2012, having previously served from 2000 to 2008. Putin also served as Prime Minister of Russia from 1999 to 2000 and again from 2008 to 2012. He has...
Boris Johnson's call for noncombat troops signals a potential shift in Western support for Ukraine, moving from indirect aid to a more visible presence that could influence ceasefire enforcement. It also reflects growing frustration with the pace of peace talks and a desire to show resolve to Russia.
Context & Background
Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022, sparking a prolonged conflict
Western nations have supplied military aid but no ground troops
Johnson previously criticized Western failures in Crimea, Syria, and Afghanistan
What Happens Next
UK and allies are reportedly preparing a multinational peacekeeping force that would deploy after a ceasefire. The plan would require coordination with the UN and Ukraine, and could be a significant step toward ending hostilities. The timing and scope remain uncertain as diplomatic negotiations continue.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of sending noncombat troops?
To police a ceasefire and support Ukraine's sovereignty without escalating combat.
When would the troops be deployed?
Only after an agreed ceasefire and with international approval.
Has the UK government officially endorsed Johnson's proposal?
The Ministry of Defence said it is working with the coalition of the willing to prepare for deployment, but no formal decision has been made yet.
Original Source
By — Danica Kirka, Associated Press Danica Kirka, Associated Press Leave your feedback Share Copy URL Email Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Tumblr Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Former UK Prime Minister Bori Johnson calls on allies to send noncombat troops to Ukraine World Feb 21, 2026 1:40 PM EST LONDON — Former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson says the U.K. and its European allies should immediately deploy noncombat troops to Ukraine to show Russian President Vladimir Putin that Western nations are truly committed to the nation's freedom and independence. Speaking ahead of the fourth anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Johnson told the BBC that the troops should be sent to peaceful regions in non-fighting roles. The comments from Johnson, who was one of Ukraine's staunchest supporters as Britain's leader during the first months of the conflict, were contained in excerpts of an interview that will be broadcast on Sunday. READ MORE: 5 European allies pledge millions to build cheap drone defenses with Ukrainian know-how If adopted, the proposal from Johnson would mark a major policy shift for the U.K. and its allies. While the "coalition of the willing" is working on plans to send troops to Ukraine, such a deployment would only take place after an agreement to end the fighting and would be designed to police the ceasefire. "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?'' Johnson said. "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." Western military planners have avoided discussing such a move publicly out of concern that Russia would see it as an escalation of the conflict. READ MORE: No breakthrough on bridging differences between Russia and Ukraine, envoys signal Putin in September rejected Western propos...
