On the eve of the fourth anniversary of the full-scale Russian invasion, the British political scene has been energized by a discussion on direct military support for Kyiv. Former Prime Minister Boris Johnson has called for the immediate deployment of non-combat troops to safe regions of Ukraine to deter further aggression from the Kremlin. Simultaneously, the current Defence Secretary John Healey expressed the ambition of being the first head of the ministry to send British troops to Ukraine after a ceasefire or peace agreement, linking such a step with finalizing the conflict resolution process.

Johnson's Appeal for Non-Combat Troops

The former prime minister calls for sending military personnel in supporting roles to safe regions of Ukraine.

Defence Secretary Healey's Declaration

John Healey wants to be the first defence minister to send British troops in order to end the war.

Marshal Czarzasty's Visit

Włodzimierz Czarzasty is going to Kyiv to deliver a speech on the fourth anniversary of the invasion.

Criticism of Previous Policy

Johnson admitted that the West's mistakes during his tenure may have emboldened Russia to start its aggression.

The approaching fourth anniversary of the war's outbreak has become an impetus for formulating groundbreaking strategic proposals in London. In an interview with the BBC, Boris Johnson argued that the United Kingdom and its allies should immediately send military personnel to Ukraine in non-combat roles. According to the former prime minister, the presence of Western formations in regions free from direct combat would "flip the switch" in Vladimir Putin's perception and make him aware of the West's determination. Johnson expressed regret that previous inaction by the international community, including during his own tenure leading British diplomacy, emboldened the Russian leader to attack. Since the 1994 Budapest Memorandum, in which Ukraine gave up its nuclear weapons in exchange for security guarantees, Western powers have balanced between supporting Kyiv and avoiding direct confrontation with the Russian Federation. Simultaneously, in the pages of "The Telegraph," the current Defence Secretary John Healey spoke up. He declared his desire to send soldiers to Ukraine, indicating that 2026 must bring a breakthrough in the war effort. Healey sees this move as a chance to finally seal Ukraine's victory and end the conflict. Meanwhile, a Polish delegation led by Sejm Marshal Włodzimierz Czarzasty is preparing for a visit to Kyiv. Czarzasty announced a tough stance towards Russia, describing the Sejm's solidarity resolution as an expression of unwavering support for its neighbor's sovereignty. 4 lata — Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine has lasted The politicians' statements suggest a paradigm shift in thinking about European security. Boris Johnson emphasized that the lack of a clear action plan within NATO emboldens the aggressor. Meanwhile, the Polish Sejm Marshal, using rhetoric about "Putin and his gang," ruled out the possibility of recognizing Russia as a credible negotiator without the full restoration of Ukraine's territorial integrity. Czarzasty's planned speech in the Verkhovna Rada on February 24th is set to focus on Kyiv's European future and the necessity of maintaining sanction pressure until a just peace is achieved. „We should be deploying non-combat troops to Ukraine now to send a firm signal.” — Boris Johnson

Mentioned People

  • Boris Johnson — Former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, advocate for radically increasing support for Ukraine.
  • Włodzimierz Czarzasty — Marshal of the Sejm of the Republic of Poland, planning a solidarity visit to Kyiv.
  • John Healey — British Secretary of State for Defence (Defence Minister).