Kiev: Former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson called for boots on the ground in Ukraine, even as he criticized Europe for not showing enough urgency to pressure Russia to end the war. “Europe is only exerting a tenth of the pressure it can on Russia.
“Things must go smoothly to stop the war.”Speaking in Kiev to mark the fourth anniversary of the all-out war between Russia and Ukraine, Johnson said Europe should send non-combat forces to Ukraine now rather than wait for a ceasefire. He asked, “Why can’t these non-combatant European forces help reopen Lviv airport? This will show Putin that Europe remains committed to Ukraine’s security and future.” Johnson added that Putin does not currently feel that Europe is determined, and therefore does not feel the need to reach an agreement.
“Where is the evidence that if Ukraine abandons Donbass, Russia will seek a ceasefire? Putin will take control of Donbass and continue his aggression.” However, Johnson was quick to quash any talk of Europe going it alone and turning its back on an alliance with the United States. He added: “The United States provides 70% of NATO’s military capabilities, and 100% of the group’s heavy transport capabilities.
Europe alone cannot bring Putin to the negotiating table. “All this talk about breaking the transatlantic alliance is unrealistic and is nothing but music to Putin’s ears.”
He also questioned Europe’s continued purchase of Russian energy. “We still import about 12% of our energy needs from Russia. That’s roughly a billion dollars for Putin every month. The United States is doing something to prevent countries like India from buying Russian oil, but why is Europe still buying Russian energy? Ukraine will win eventually. But that victory will come at a much higher price if Europe does not intervene.”
