UK Prime Minister, "NATO to Support Additional Troop Deployment if Russia Invades Ukraine"

"Russian Sons May Not Return Home" Warning
Actual Deployment Uncertain... "Economic Sanctions Are Preferable"

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] British Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced that he would support additional troop deployments to protect NATO allies in the event of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. This move is interpreted as an effort to strengthen joint response capabilities against Russia as the U.S. prepares to send additional troops to Eastern Europe.

On the 25th (local time), Prime Minister Johnson stated in a parliamentary speech, "We will contribute to NATO's new deployments to protect our European allies," adding, "Ukraine will fiercely resist, and many of Russia's sons will not be able to return home." Johnson warned that Russia could suffer significant damage, citing Russia's past attacks on Chechnya and Bosnia.

He criticized, "If a conflict occurs between the two countries, Ukraine will become a wasteland, risking the worst bloodshed since World War II, and Russian President Vladimir Putin will be condemned by history," adding, "Going forward, Putin may target other former Soviet states besides Ukraine to rebuild Russia's influence."

He also emphasized that discussions on economic sanctions against the U.S. and Russia are intensifying. Johnson said, "We are discussing measures to block the U.S. and Russia from the international payment network," and stressed, "We will not hesitate to strengthen sanctions against Russia and must increase pressure. Germany's participation will be very important." This statement refers to the option under consideration by the U.S. to exclude Russia from dollar payments via the Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication (SWIFT), a measure previously reported by major foreign media as difficult to implement due to disagreements between the U.S. and Europe.

However, he expressed a low likelihood of actual troop deployment. Johnson explained, "We must not give Russia a pretext to attack; it is right to prepare economic sanctions and supply weapons to Ukraine." Regarding the proposal to deploy NATO forces to Ukraine in coordination with the U.S., he drew a line, saying, "The possibility is low in the short term. Ukraine is not a NATO member."

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