We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info

The Prime Minister will chair the emergency committee after President Putin launched a full-scale invasion of its neighbour overnight.

Almost 200,000 troops have been situated on Ukraine’s borders for weeks, with the Russian President ordering strikes on Ukraine’s military infrastructure in the early hours of the morning.

Moscow’s attacks come despite warnings from the West that a coordinated response would be unleashed on the Kremlin if it took action against Kiev.

Sanctions aimed at crippling the Russian economy have already been drawn up by the UK along with the US and EU.

Mr Johnson set to approve their immediate implementation after this morning’s meeting.

A Downing Street spokesman said: “The Prime Minister will chair a COBR at 0730 to discuss the response to the horrific attacks in Ukraine this morning.”

Ministers and senior officials will be updated on the rapidly deteriorating situation before considering the West’s response.

Mr Johnson said he was “appalled” by the war started by Moscow as he attacked President Putin for choosing “a path of bloodshed and destruction”.

“I have spoken to President Zelenskyy to discuss next steps,” he said.

“President Putin has chosen a path of bloodshed and destruction by launching this unprovoked attack on Ukraine.

“The UK and our allies will respond decisively.”

A Downing Street spokesperson said Mr Johnson had assured Ukraine’s President Zelensky that the West “would not stand by as President Putin waged his campaign against the Ukrainian people”.

A spokesperson said: “Prime Minister Boris Johnson spoke to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in the early hours of this morning.

“The Prime Minister said he was appalled by the unfolding events in Ukraine.

“The Ukrainian President updated the Prime Minister on the attacks taking place, and the Prime Minister said the West would not stand by as President Putin waged his campaign against the Ukrainian people.

“The Prime Minister said he hoped Ukraine could resist and that Ukraine and its people were in the thoughts of everyone in the United Kingdom people during this dark time.”

More to follow…

Source: Read Full Article