Russian invasion of Ukraine would be ‘painful’ and ‘violent’ says PM as he threatens sanctions

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said that a Russian invasion of Ukraine would be “painful, violent and bloody”. Mr Johnson said the UK’s intelligence on the brewing conflict on Ukraine’s eastern border is ”gloomy”, adding that: “The UK is in the lead in creating that package of economic sanctions.

During a visit to a Milton Keynes medical facility, Mr Johnson argued that the UK is “helping to stiffen the resistance of our Ukrainian friends with defensive weaponry that we are supplying, making it clear that we stand fully four-square with the people of Ukraine and that we support the sovereign integrity of Ukraine, and we do.”

“But we also need to get over to Russia that any invasion, any incursion – of any kind, of any dimension – into Ukraine is not going to be a cost-free business… there will be casualties,” he went on.

Over the weekend the Foreign Office claimed that they were in possession of information that indicates the Russian Government is looking to install a pro-Russian leader in Kyiv as it considers whether to invade and occupy Ukraine.

Earlier today it was reported that the UK had begun withdrawing staff its embassy in the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv.