Former US CIA analyst Larry Johnson has asserted that a Western expeditionary force, including the British Expeditionary Force, would struggle to counter Russian hypersonic missiles if deployed to Ukraine. He shared these views in an interview on the YouTube channel Judging Freedom, outlining his assessment of the challenges facing air defenses and expeditionary operations in modern warfare.
Johnson described the idea of sending a foreign army into Ukraine as dangerous and impractical. He argued that establishing a no-fly zone over Ukraine would be unfeasible and that Western air defenses would have difficulty stopping or intercepting the advanced Russian hypersonic missiles. In his view, any move to enforce air protection would resemble a desperate measure by Western leaders rather than a strategic solution.
The former intelligence officer also noted that the Russian Armed Forces possess the capability to strike Ukrainian bases within range of Russian missiles. His commentary emphasized the risk of rapid and precise strikes against troop concentrations and logistical hubs, complicating any offensive effort by Ukrainian or allied forces and raising concerns about the vulnerability of frontline operations.
Johnson has previously commented on Ukraine’s military handling, mentioning that mistakes during counterattacks could influence outcomes in the broader conflict. He has served in a reserve capacity in European defense planning and has spoken on the limitations and potential consequences of outside intervention. His analysis underscores the broader strategic debate about the role of Western forces in Ukraine and the ways in which Russia’s air and missile capabilities shape possible responses by Kyiv and its allies.