Ambassador to the UK says the risk of Russia invading Ukraine ‘very high’
The risk of Russia invading Ukraine is “extremely high”, Ukraine’s ambassador to the UK said.
The warning comes as 100,000 soldiers are now massing at the border, raising fears of war.
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Vadym Prystaiko told LBC: “We believe the risk is extremely high.”
He added that 100,000 troops is currently “not enough” but Vladimir Putin is “gradually building up” with helicopters and S-400 systems.
He continued: “Or [Putin] are still playing this game, increasingly threatening us, not only us but also European NATO is building up its forces step by step.
“It’s not enough to overthrow us right now, we’ll fight, but who knows what will come back.”
Earlier, Dominic Raab said the Russian president would face “very serious consequences” in the event of an invasion.
The deputy prime minister said there was a “very significant risk of an invasion”.
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Trevor Phillips told Sky’s Trevor Phillips: “The Secretary of State and the State Department have made it clear what the designs of the Russian government are.”
“We don’t go into things like sources, but it’s very clear that there is a coordinated military build-up and a threat to democracy and the integrity of Ukraine.
“Putin and Moscow have a habit of trying to take advantage of opportunities when the world’s attention is elsewhere.”
His comment followed the statement that Russian President plans to form “puppet government” in Kyiv.
Britain last night took the unusual step of designating former lawmaker Yevhen Murayev as a potential Kremlin candidate for the post in Kiev.
The State Department also identified four other allies of Ukraine who maintain contacts with the heads of Putin’s intelligence services.
The revelation comes as Western allies issue fresh warnings that Russia will pay a heavy price if 100,000 troops land on any offensive border.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson will ramp up pressure on Russia this week as he urges Europe and the US to take countermeasures.
He will send Cabinet ministers around the continent after Britain delivers lethal aid to Ukraine, including 2,000 missiles and a team of military trainers.
A Downing Street source said: “The prime minister’s view is that the situation in Ukraine is the biggest test of the unity and resolve of the West and the NATO alliance in decades.”
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https://www.thesun.ie/news/8252754/risk-russia-invading-ukraine-extremely-high-troops-border/ Ambassador to the UK says the risk of Russia invading Ukraine ‘very high’