War fears explode as Boris begs Putin to ‘step back’ over Ukraine
A DESPERATE Boris Johnson has begged Russia to "step back" from its ongoing dispute with Ukraine.
Boris pleads Putin to U-turn on 'disastrous' invasion plan
The Prime Minister told Vladimir Putin it would be a “disastrous mistake” for Russia to invade its neighbouring country. He urged world leaders to “engage in dialogue” with Moscow to prevent matters from escalating further.
“We're urging everybody to engage in dialogue and for the Russian Government to avoid what would be a disastrous mistake for Russia.”
Around 100,000 Russian troops have gathered at the Ukraine border in recent weeks, according to Western reports.
The Kremlin has said it has “no plans” to launch an invasion.
Private intelligence firm Dragonfly said if Russia did decide to invade Ukraine, it could do so with “devastating effect” and with “little to no notice”.
In diplomatic talks last month, the Kremlin doubled down on its insistence NATO does not ally with Ukraine.
US Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman refused to bow down on the matter.
“One country cannot change the border of another, dictate the terms of another country's foreign policy, or forbid other countries from choosing its own alliances.”
In a sign an invasion may not be imminent, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said today, on Monday, diplomatic talks should continue.
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“At this stage, I would suggest continuing and building them up.”
Mr Lavrov added that while the US had put forward concrete proposals on reducing military risks, the EU and NATO had been less cooperative, according to Reuters.
Ms Truss was reported to have said Britain would “never” recognise Russia’s sovereignty over two regions in Russia, believing them to have been located in Ukraine, and Mr Lavrov jibed the discussion was like one between a “mute and a deaf person”.
Following the visit, Ms Truss said: “Of course, the Russians didn’t like what I had to say but I say it nevertheless.”