Johnson Urges Immediate Non‑Combat Deployment Former prime minister Boris Johnson told BBC’s Laura Kuenssberg and former chief of defence staff Adm Sir Tony Radakin that the UK and its allies should send peace‑keeping personnel to Ukraine now, framing the move as a “switch” for Putin ahead of the war’s fourth anniversary [2]. He repeated the same call in an AP interview, emphasizing that non‑combat troops would demonstrate Western resolve without escalating fighting [1]. Both outlets note his appeal targets “peaceful ground forces” rather than combat units.

Deployment Tied to Ceasefire and Peace‑Keeping Tasks Johnson stressed that any British contingent would operate only after a negotiated ceasefire, stationed in tranquil regions to police peace and support reconstruction [1][2]. The plan envisions a “coalition of the willing” that would assume non‑fighting duties once hostilities end, avoiding direct combat involvement. Russia’s previous rejection of foreign peace‑keepers, labeling them legitimate targets, is cited as a risk but not a deterrent to the proposal [1][2].

UK Ministry of Defence Mobilises Funding and International Partners The MoD confirmed ongoing planning under UK leadership, coordinating with over 30 nations to ready a multinational force [1]. It highlighted a record‑high defence aid package, including a £500 million air‑defence shipment and £200 million earmarked for deployment preparation [2]. These resources aim to equip the non‑combat contingent and sustain the broader coalition after the ceasefire.

Johnson Blames Past Western Hesitation and Calls for Faster Aid Johnson linked the current conflict to earlier Western failures in Crimea (2014), Syria and Afghanistan, arguing that delayed responses emboldened Putin [1][2]. He echoed Sir Tony Radakin’s criticism of allies’ “incrementalism,” describing the slow aid pace as “deeply frustrating” for Kyiv [2]. Both sources present Johnson’s narrative that decisive, immediate action now could alter Russia’s calculus.