Former UK prime minister Boris Johnson has urged the British government to consider deploying troops into Ukraine to reinforce Western support as the conflict with Russia enters a critical phase.

Writing in a column and speaking publicly this week, Johnson argued that Britain should be prepared to send forces into western Ukraine to help free up Ukrainian troops for frontline duties, describing the moment as one that demands resolve and strategic clarity from London and its allies.

Johnson’s remarks come amid renewed Russian offensives and continued debate within NATO capitals over the scope of military assistance to Kyiv.

He suggested that a limited British presence in secure areas, focused on training, logistics and support functions, could bolster Ukraine’s defensive capacity without constituting direct combat operations against Russian forces.

The former prime minister framed the proposal as a demonstration of Britain’s longstanding leadership in backing Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Downing Street has not indicated any immediate change in policy.

The current government maintains that while it remains one of Ukraine’s staunchest supporters — providing advanced weaponry, training and financial assistance — it does not plan to deploy combat troops to the conflict zone.

Officials have repeatedly emphasised that NATO is not a direct party to the war and that escalation risks must be carefully managed.

Johnson has consistently advocated a robust response to Moscow since the invasion began in February 2022, positioning Britain as a central pillar of European support for Kyiv.

His latest intervention underscores continuing divisions in British political discourse over how far Western governments should go in confronting Russia.

While some lawmakers share his view that stronger measures are necessary to secure Ukraine’s victory and deter future aggression, others caution that any troop deployment could heighten tensions between NATO and Moscow.

The debate unfolds as Ukraine seeks sustained military backing to counter Russian advances and secure long-term security guarantees.

For Britain, the question of troop deployment represents a significant strategic threshold, one that would reshape its role in Europe’s largest conflict since the Second World War.