Russia-Ukraine conflict: UK MP criticizes move not to send troops to Ukraine amidst possible invasion

With tensions between Russia and Ukraine on a high, world powers are on alert in case Russia decides to carry out an invasion. UK Conservative Parliament member Tobias Ellwood recently criticized the UK’s decision not to send troops to assist Ukraine.

Ellwood, who chairs the House of Commons Defense Committee, criticized the decision that was announced by Defense Secretary Ben Wallace that the chances of the UK sending troops to help Ukraine is unlikely. Wallace made the comments in his interview with The Spectator, citing that because Ukraine is not a NATO-member country, it would be unlikely for world powers to send troops to deter Russia.

Ellwood said that the policy would likely attract Russian President Vladimir Putin and encourage Moscow to carry out an invasion of Ukraine without fears of a response from the UK. “Watch this space. We’ve just given the green light to RUSSIA,” tweeted Ellwood.

Wallace’s comments follow his joint statement with Ukrainian defense minister Oleksii Yuriyovych Reznikov. Both ministers expressed concern over the situation at the border Russia and Ukraine share. There has been an increase of Russian troops at the border between the two countries as of late, prompting fears of an invasion.

US intelligence has estimated that the number of Russian troops at the border was around 70,000. At the same time, Wallace previously said that the UK is committed to supporting Ukraine. Last week, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson warned Putin that “serious consequences” would come if Russia decides to carry out an invasion.

Despite a video call between Putin and US President Joe Biden, there have been no signs of de-escalation of Russian troops at the border. 24 hours following the call, video footage showed Buk missile systems and armored vehicles arriving at a train station in Voronezh in Russia. Two days after the leaders spoke, infantry units coming from St. Petersburg were deployed to a camp east of Kursk which is 100 kilometers away from the Ukraine border, according to UK-based intelligence agency Janes.

Even as Russia continues its military buildup, US intelligence officials as well as European security officials, told VOA that an invasion is not the inevitable outcome.