KYIV: Former UK PM Boris Johnson called for boots on the ground in Ukraine, even as he slammed Europe for not showing enough urgency to put pressure on Russia to end the war. “Europe is only applying a tenth of the pressure that it can on Russia. Things need to go up a gear to stop the war.”Speaking in Kyiv on the fourth anniversary of the full-scale Russia-Ukraine war, Johnson said that Europe should send non-combat troops to Ukraine now instead of waiting for a ceasefire. “Why can’t these European non-combat troops help in reopening Lviv airport? This will show Putin that Europe will stay committed to Ukraine’s security and future.” Johnson added that Putin currently doesn’t feel that Europe is determined, and therefore, doesn’t feel the need to do a deal. “Where is the evidence that if Ukraine gives up the Donbas, Russia will go for a ceasefire? Putin will just pocket the Donbas and continue his aggression.” However, Johnson was quick to quash any talk of Europe going it alone and turning its back on the alliance with US. “US provides 70% of Nato’s military capabilities, 100% of the group’s heavy-lift capabilities. Europe alone can’t bring Putin to the negotiating table. All this talk of breaking the Trans-Atlantic alliance is unrealistic and only music to Putin’s ears.” He also questioned Europe’s continuing purchase of Russian energy. “We are still importing around 12% of our energy from Russia. That’s nearly $1bn to Putin every month. US is doing something to stop 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 doesn’t step up.”
