Boris Johnson's Call for Military Support in Ukraine
Former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has called on Western allies to deploy non-combat troops to Ukraine now, rather than waiting for a peace agreement to be signed. This proposal highlights the urgency of action to support Ukraine amidst the ongoing conflict. The call comes as UK Defence Secretary John Healey has previously stated that British soldiers would only be sent to Ukraine after a peace deal is concluded, raising questions about the timeliness of such a response.
Declaration of Intent and the Coalition of the Willing
In January 2026, the United Kingdom and France signed a Declaration of Intent with Ukraine regarding the deployment of military forces on the ground should a peace agreement be reached. This initiative formed the basis for the multinational Coalition of the Willing, which now includes over 30 countries. To coordinate the coalition's actions, a multinational headquarters is planned for Paris, to be relocated to London at a later stage. A coordination group led by a British general will also be established directly in Kyiv.
Boris Johnson stressed the importance of timely troop deployment, stating: 'If we have a plan to have troops on the ground after the war, after Putin agrees to a ceasefire, then why not do it now?'
He added: 'I see no logical reason why we should not send peaceful land forces there to demonstrate our support for a free, independent Ukraine.' These statements point to an intensifying debate among Western allies about military support for Ukraine during this critical period. The discussion reflects a broader strategic dilemma about how best to bolster Ukraine's position while managing escalation risks.
Johnson's proposal may signal not only a shift in approaches to military support for Ukraine but also a perceived need for urgent action in response to continuing threats. The position of the United Kingdom, along with other Western nations, could significantly influence future developments in the region, including the prospects for a peace agreement. Given the intensification of coalition efforts, the international community is closely watching for further decisions from allies and their responses to calls for supporting Ukraine.