Tensions along Russia and Ukraine‘s shared border have not cooled in recent days, as western nations continue to brief against Russian aggression. Kremlin officials claimed that Russia is now withdrawing the 150,000 rumoured troops posted in the region to military bases further east. But according to the Prime Minister, Europe is closer to war than ever.
Speaking today, Mr Johnson claimed that the standoff in Ukraine is a “prelude to bigger action”.
The Prime Minister, who is in Munich for a security conference, told attendees that the world would witness that a Russian invasion of Ukraine would cause the “destruction of a democratic state”.
He warned that the invasion would cause a “shock” that would “echo around the world”.
And he warned the Kremlin to de-escalate ahead of a “generation of bloodshed and misery”.
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US President Joe Biden agreed with him, warning that Mr Putin would soon move on the Ukrainian capital Kyiv.
In a White House address, he told reporters Russian forces would attack Ukraine “in the coming week”.
He added: “We believe they will target the capital Kyiv. We are calling out Russia’s plans loudly and repeatedly, not because we want a conflict but because we’re doing everything in our power to remove any reason that Russia may give to justify invading Ukraine.
“If Russia pursues its plans, it will be responsible for a catastrophic and needless war of choice.”
Tensions have already collapsed into bloodshed ahead of any rumoured invasions, as two Ukrainian soldiers died in conflict today.
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The country’s President, Volodymyr Zelensky, said one soldier was killed by an artillery shell early at 6am.
A further three were wounded, Mr Zelensky added.
Ceasefire violations are also creeping up, with separatists responsible for 70 today alone.
The total is up by four on the last 24 hours, when Ukrainian officials recorded 66.
President Zelensky followed Mr Johnson in addressing Munich conference attendees today to speak about Ukrainian security.
He denied Ukrainian shells crossed the border into Russia and imposed a hard line on potential attacks.
Ukraine would protect its borders “with or without the support of our partners”, he said.
The Kremlin claimed that its increased presence in the area came from concerns over NATOs creeping presence to the east.
While it has not admitted Ukraine, one of Russia’s demands for the organisation was that it ruled out any potential membership, arguing it threatened its border.
NATO has provided diplomatic and military support, with Britain and the US sending weaponry and leading training for local soldiers.
But at the same time, it has warned local embassies to withdraw personnel.
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