UK government warns Putin to back down over potential Ukraine invasion

The UK government says Russian president Vladimir Putin “needs to de-escalate now” over reports of a potential invasion of Ukraine.

Answering an urgent question in the House of Commons on fears of a Russian incursion on Ukraine, minister for Africa Vicky Ford says such a move “should expect significant strategic consequences” for Russia.

Ford added the consequences of hostility towards Ukraine would be “catastrophically high”.

Shadow foreign secretary David Lammy told the Commons it was important to send “united message from all sides of this House” in support of Ukraine’s sovereignty.