Boris Johnson to visit Ukraine as Russian invasion fears rise

1 February 2022, 06:35 | Updated: 1 February 2022, 16:31

Ukrainian reservists aim rifles during training on the outskirts of Kyiv
Ukrainian reservists aim rifles during training on the outskirts of Kyiv. Picture: Alamy

By Asher McShane

Boris Johnson will fly out to Ukraine on Tuesday as he steps up diplomatic efforts to avert war in the region.

The Prime Minister will reaffirm his support for Ukraine with £88 million of aid for the country as he urged Russia to "avoid further bloodshed".

Mr Johnson will meet with Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky on on Tuesday, and has committed money from the UK's Good Governance Fund to help "support stable governance and energy independence".

As well as supporting transparency and anti-corruption initiatives, some of the £88 million announced will go towards efforts to reduce Ukraine's reliance on Russian energy supplies.

Ex-Diplomat warns sanctions won't work on Putin amid Ukraine crisis

Mr Johnson said: "It is the right of every Ukrainian to determine how they are governed. As a friend and a democratic partner, the UK will continue to uphold Ukraine's sovereignty in the face of those who seek to destroy it.

"We urge Russia to step back and engage in dialogue to find a diplomatic resolution and avoid further bloodshed."

It comes as more than 100,000 Russian troops were amassed on the Ukrainian border, and Russia' President Vladimir Putin has so far resisted calls to deescalate tensions.

A reservist of the Ukrainian Territorial Defence Forces takes part in military exercises on the outskirts of Kyiv
A reservist of the Ukrainian Territorial Defence Forces takes part in military exercises on the outskirts of Kyiv. Picture: Alamy

Downing Street said that since 2015, British Armed Forces had trained more than 22,000 Ukrainian troops, and that the UK also defends the rule of law in the country by helping to reduce corruption.

But Mr Johnson, on his visit to Kyiv, is expected to discuss a "full range of strategic UK support" on offer.

Earlier, Foreign Secretary Liz Truss announced plans for legislation with new powers to sanction individuals and businesses linked to the Russian state, in light of the aggression in Ukraine.

"We will be able to target any company that is linked to the Russian state, engages in business of economic significance to the Russian state or operates in a sector of strategic significance to the Russian state," she told MPs.

"This will be the toughest sanction regime against Russia we have ever had and it is the most radical departure in approach since leaving the EU. Those in and around the Kremlin will have nowhere to hide."

Ms Truss was due to join the PM on the trip, but tested positive for coronavirus on Monday evening.

The UK is also expected to bolster military presence in eastern Europe as part of Nato's efforts to secure the region.

But British and Nato combat forces are not expected to be deployed in Ukraine, which is not a member of the alliance.

Around 100 British personnel are involved in a training mission in the country.

Mr Putin has denied he is planning an attack but is demanding guarantees Ukraine will never join Nato, while calling on the Western alliance to draw back its forces in eastern Europe.

Latest World News

See more Latest World News

Breaking
Playa de los Pocillos puerto del carmen Lanzarote, Canary Islands, spain

British tourist, 34, found dead on beach in Lanzarote

Trump and Harris go head to head

US Election night guide: What time do polls close and who is favourite to win?

Rubert Gispin was visiting flood-hit parts of his native Valencia

Spanish influencer defends ‘shameful’ decision to deliberately cover himself in mud in Valencia’s flood damaged streets

Hundreds of people died in the devastating flooding in Spain

British man who survived Valencia floods describes hearing his neighbours’ horrifying final screams before they died

Live
Americans are heading to the polls in their millions today

US Presidential Election 2024 LIVE: Millions of Americans head to the polls in the final race for the White House

Kris Finney has been missing since Thursday

British man missing in Tenerife not seen for three days as Foreign Office issues statement

Barcelona issued with 'extreme danger' flood warning - as fresh rain leaves airport submerged and flights cancelled

Barcelona issued with 'extreme danger' flood warning - as fresh rain leaves airport submerged and flights cancelled

Coco Gauff performs in front of a small crowd at the WTA finals in Saudia Arabia

Tim Henman hits out at ‘disappointing’ crowd after 400 watch women’s finals in Saudi Arabia

Dr Florian Willet, president of Sarco operator The Last Resort, and the suicide pod

First person to use Sarco 'suicide pod' heard three chilling words before death

A British couple were found dead in their car as floods devastated parts of Spain

British couple missing in Spain floods found dead in car after 'popping out' to buy gas

Meredith Kercher's family blast 'lack of sensitivity' over Disney-backed Amanda Knox drama

Amanda Knox accused of 'profiting from murder' by Meredith Kercher's family over Disney-backed trial drama

Kamala Harris moves key rally over Secret Service safety concerns as White House race enters final 24 hours

Kamala Harris moves key rally over Secret Service safety concerns as White House race enters final 24 hours

Former President Trump and Vice President Harris make final pitches

Harris and Trump make closing pitches with two days to election

The Israeli military has said it carried out its first ground operation into Syria - as it announced it had captured a man who has links to Iran (stock images)

IDF confirms first ground operation into Syria of war - and says it has seized a man 'with links to Iran'

Iranian authorities have arrested a woman who was filmed stripping down to her underwear to protest harassment by the regime's morality police.

Iran arrests woman who stripped to underwear to protest morality police harassed over 'improper hijab'

King Felipe

King of Spain and Queen Letizia pelted with mud as angry crowds heckle royals during visit to flash flooded Valencia