Boris Johnson urged to pay Putin's troops $100,000 each so they turn back on Ukraine war

Former Director of Special Forces Major-General Jonathan David Shaw discussed possible tactics to employ against Russia on GB News’ Breakfast show this morning.

On day eight of Russia’s military attack on Ukraine and as fighting intensifies, presenter Eamonn Holmes asked Mr Shaw what he would do in response to the crisis.

The former British Army officer said: “One of the ways this war could end is if the Russian army just downs tools and gets fed up with the job and I think that’s something people should play on and when you look at the economic costs of the invasion.

“The economic costs of this invasion are just immense to the whole world and I just wonder what the price is to try and indue some of these people to resign.”

Mr. Shaw argued that in comparison to the plummeting stock market prices, “offering $100,000 to each soldier that deserts the Russian forces” would be a “good idea and would actually be cheaper".

He continued: “Looking at the fact these people haven’t a clue why they’re there, they don’t know what they’re doing, they're completely unmotivated. I think quite a few would be ripe to desert.

“I think we need to dangle these carrots over them, we need to do all we can to undermine Russian soldier’s morals and give them a way out and stop them fighting.

"Because if Putin’s army deserts on him then he’s finished.”

Mr Shaw’s comments come after Prime Minister Boris Johnson made it clear on Tuesday that the UK “will not fight Russian forces". While pledging his support for Ukraine he made it clear putting British troops on the ground was “not on the agenda".

However, this week Mr Johnson’s government has supported Ukraine’s military by sending reinforcements in the form of defensive weapons and humanitarian aid.

Mr Shaw also commented on the convoy of Russian tanks that have filled roads leading into Ukraine’s capital city Kyiv.

He added: “The fact it's not being attacked from the air probably tells you something about the lack of Ukrainian air force. I’m sure they have it on their target list. Or they may consider that they’ve got more immediate targets to hit.”