Boris Johnson launches diplomatic blitz over Ukraine standoff as he heads for Brussels and Poland tomorrow… while Liz Truss travels to Moscow
Boris Johnson will launch a diplomatic blitz in the Ukraine standoff tomorrow as he heads to Brussels and Poland – while Liz Truss travels to Moscow.
Mr Johnson is visiting NATO HQ in Belgium for talks with secretary-general Jens Stoltenberg in the morning, amid efforts to forge a united line against Vladimir Putin.
And the premier will meet Polish PM Mateusz Morawiecki and President Andrzej Duda as the UK scrambles to reassure partners it will support them in the face of Russia aggression.
Meanwhile, Ms Truss is flying to Moscow for a two-day visit including discussions with counterpart Sergei Lavrov.
It is the first visit by a UK Foreign Secretary for more than four years and comes with tensions high over the build-up of Russian forces near the border with Ukraine.
Defence Secretary Ben Wallace is also set to visit the Russian capital this week.
But there are concerns about splits within the Western allies, after Emmanuel Macron was accused of making private promises in a meeting with Mr Putin and with details of a potential sanctions package yet to be agreed.
Boris Johnson will launch a diplomatic blitz in the Ukraine standoff tomorrow as he heads to Brussels and Poland. Pictured, Kiev’s forces train this week
Mr Johnson (pictured) is visiting NATO HQ in Belgium for talks with secretary-general Jens Stoltenberg in tomorrow morning
The West are scrambling to show a united front against Vladimir Putin (pictured)
Ahead of her visit, Ms Truss said: ‘The UK is determined to stand up for freedom and democracy in Ukraine.
‘I’m visiting Moscow to urge Russia to pursue a diplomatic solution and make clear that another Russian invasion of a sovereign state would bring massive consequences for all involved.
‘Russia should be in no doubt about the strength of our response. We have said many times that any further invasion would incur severe costs, including through a co-ordinated package of sanctions.
‘Russia has a choice here. We strongly encourage them to engage, de-escalate and choose the path of diplomacy.’
The UK is prepared to impose what Ms Truss has branded ‘the toughest sanctions regime against Russia we have ever had’ if there is an invasion of Ukraine, targeting those closest to the Kremlin.
But Moscow has threatened retribution, with concerns Mr Putin may strike first and try to disrupt the West’s economic structures and use his role as a major gas supplier to Germany and other powers.
Mr Johnson’s trip to Poland was confirmed by the foreign ministry in Warsaw, Reuters reported. He will visit British troops stationed in the country.
NATO confirmed the PM’s trip to Brussels in a press release this morning.
It follows his talks with Lithuania’s Ingrida Simonyte in Downing Street and a call with Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte yesterday.
Russia has insisted it has no plans to invade Ukraine but President Vladimir Putin has raised concerns about Nato expansion in eastern Europe – Ukraine is not a member of the alliance but has received support from the West.
Liz Truss (pictured) is flying to Moscow for a two-day visit including discussions with counterpart Sergei Lavrov
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