PM suspends Putin’s invitation as Macron seizes lead on Ukraine

[ad_1]

The prime minister’s official spokesman insisted that there was no “fixed time” for the call and that they still hoped to arrange an appointment with the Kremlin for the two leaders to talk.

He added that it was not unusual for the timing of calls between world leaders to change, adding that Mr Johnson “committed to come to the House of Representatives for an update” following the publication of Gray’s report.

Speaking ahead of his visit to Kiev on Tuesday, Johnson warned Moscow that “the UK, as a friend and democratic partner, will continue to support Ukraine’s sovereignty in the face of those who seek to destroy it”.

“We urge Russia to step back and enter into dialogue to find a diplomatic solution and avoid further bloodshed,” he said.

Earlier on Monday, Johnson said he intended to urge Putin to “step back from the brink” and not launch an invasion of his neighbour.

“I think that the invasion of Ukraine, and any incursion into Ukraine outside the territory already occupied by Russia in 2014, would be an absolute disaster for the world, and above all it would be a disaster for Russia,” he said.

Johnson added that any Russian invasion would face “bloody and bitter resistance” from the Ukrainian people.

Tobias Ellwood, chair of the House of Commons Defense Select Committee, warned that “canceling this call will remind Putin of how distracted Britain is”.

“Any call with Putin should confirm that we are mobilizing the strength of NATO to directly support our Ukrainian friends,” he told the Telegraph.

New Sanctions Plans Unveiled

Meanwhile, Secretary of State Liz Truss on Monday announced plans to legislate with new powers to penalize individuals and companies associated with the Russian state.

“We will be able to target any company that is connected to the Russian state, that engages in business of economic importance to the Russian state or that operates in a sector of strategic importance to the Russian state,” she told the House of Commons.

Ms Truss added that this would be “the most difficult sanctions regime we have ever faced against Russia”, insisting it was “the most radical change in approach since leaving the EU”.

“Those in and around the Kremlin will have nowhere to hide,” she added.

The UK is expected to boost its military presence in Eastern Europe as part of NATO’s efforts to secure the region, in response to Russia’s build-up of around 100,000 troops on the Ukrainian border.

Putin has denied he is planning an attack, but is demanding guarantees that Ukraine will never join NATO, while calling for the Western alliance to withdraw its forces from Eastern Europe.

The United States on Monday night ordered family members of its government employees in Belarus to leave as it warned against travel there amid tensions over Ukraine.

.

[ad_2]