Russian President Vladimir Putin informed British Prime Minister Boris Johnson late on Monday that members of the NATO navy alliance had been threatening Russia by increasing exercise in Ukraine, the Kremlin mentioned.
U.S. intelligence assesses that Russia could possibly be planning a multi-front offensive on neighbouring Ukraine as early as subsequent yr, involving as much as 175,000 troops.
The Kremlin denies it plans to invade and says the West is gripped by Russophobia. Moscow says the enlargement of NATO threatens Russia and has contravened assurances given to it because the Soviet Union collapsed in 1991.
“Vladimir Putin gave an in depth define of his principal analysis of the present scenario round Ukraine,” the Kremlin mentioned of the decision with Johnson.
“It was underlined that each one that is occurring in opposition to the background of energetic navy ‘enlargement’ on the territory of Ukraine by NATO nations making a direct menace to the safety of Russia,” the Kremlin mentioned.
Johnson warned Putin that any destabilising motion in opposition to Ukraine could be a strategic mistake with important penalties, Downing Road mentioned.
Downing Road mentioned Johnson “emphasised the UK’s dedication to Ukraine’s territorial integrity and sovereignty, and warned that any destabilising motion could be a strategic mistake that may have important penalties”.
“He expressed the UK’s deep concern over the build-up of Russian forces on Ukraine’s border, and reiterated the significance of working by diplomatic channels to deescalate tensions and determine sturdy options.”
(Reuters)