Boris Johnson Urges Immediate Deployment of UK Non-Combat Troops to Ukraine
Former Prime Minister Boris Johnson has issued a stark call for the United Kingdom to send non-combat troops to Ukraine without delay, arguing that such a move could "flip a switch" in Russian President Vladimir Putin's strategic thinking. Speaking to the BBC's Laura Kuenssberg alongside former head of the military Admiral Sir Tony Radakin, Johnson emphasised that Western allies have been "too slow" in providing support to Kyiv, a hesitation he claims has consistently worked to Ukraine's advantage and Putin's detriment.
Johnson's Rationale for Troop Deployment
Johnson proposed that British boots should be on the ground in non-fighting zones within Ukraine, stating, "We've always delayed needlessly. We've then ended up giving the Ukrainians what they have been asking for, and actually it's always served to their advantage and to the disadvantage of Putin." He further asserted that escalation primarily harms Putin, suggesting a more proactive stance could alter the conflict's dynamics. The former PM questioned the logic of planning for post-war troop presence while withholding support during active hostilities, asking, "If we can have a plan for boots on the ground after the war, after Putin has condescended to have a ceasefire, then why not do it now?"
Hungary's Threat to Block EU Loan Over Oil Dispute
This appeal comes amid escalating tensions within the European Union, as Hungary has declared its readiness to block a crucial 90-billion-euro loan to Ukraine. Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto accused Kyiv of "blackmailing" Hungary by failing to restart shipments of Russian oil through the Druzhba pipeline, which were halted on January 27 following alleged damage from a Russian drone attack. Hungary and Slovakia, both granted temporary exemptions from EU sanctions on Russian oil, have blamed Ukraine for the interruption without presenting evidence. Szijjarto's video statement on social media confirmed that Budapest would obstruct the interest-free loan approved in December to aid Ukraine's military and economic needs.
Slovakia's Retaliatory Measures and Wider Energy Conflicts
In a related development, Slovakia Prime Minister Robert Fico threatened to halt emergency electricity supplies to Ukraine if oil deliveries do not resume by Monday, intensifying the energy standoff. Both Hungary and Slovakia have opposed EU efforts to phase out Russian energy imports, highlighting divisions within the bloc. Meanwhile, reports emerged of an American financier linked to Donald Trump's family striking a natural gas deal in Alaska with Russian energy giant Novatek, despite Western sanctions, as part of broader discussions aimed at incentivising peace in Ukraine.
Ukraine's Military Actions and Diplomatic Moves
On the battlefield, Ukrainian drones conducted a significant strike deep inside Russia, targeting the Votkinsk Machine Building Plant in the Udmurt Republic—a key facility producing Iskander ballistic missiles used against Ukraine. The attack, which injured 11 people, underscores Kyiv's capacity to reach strategic Russian assets over 1,400 kilometers from its borders. In diplomatic arenas, President Volodymyr Zelensky met with NATO chief Mark Rutte to align on peace talk preparations, while Ukrainian officials announced a boycott of the upcoming Paralympics over Russian and Belarusian participation.
Humanitarian and Regional Updates
Amidst the conflict, Ukrainian authorities reported the return of two more children from Russian-occupied Kherson Oblast via the Bring Kids Back UA initiative, bringing this year's total to 31 freed children. These developments occur against a backdrop of ongoing military engagements and international negotiations, with Johnson's call for troop deployment adding a new dimension to the debate over Western involvement in the war.
