Russia-Ukraine conflict: Russia preparing for invasion – PM

Boris Johnson is set to cut his trip to the North West of England short as the situation in Ukraine intensifies, No 10 has said. The PM will not stay overnight in Cumbria, instead he will return to Downing Street, a spokesman added.

Russia not backing down

No 10 has said despite global efforts to ease tensions over the Ukraine crisis there appears to be no signs that Russia will back down and No 10 is “gravely concerned” about the prospect of an invasion.

The PM’s spokesman says the UK will explore “every possible avenue” to talk Russia back from invasion – and the PM would want to update Parliament if an invasion occurs, raising the prospect of a recall given that Parliament is in recess.

Boris Johnson said the “evidence is pretty clear” that Russia is planning to invade Ukraine, saying there are troops massing on the Ukraine border and “all sorts of other signs that show that there are serious preparations” going on.

He says this is a “a very, very dangerous, difficult situation” but “there is still time for President (Vladimir) Putin to step back”. The PM has called for more dialouge and urges Russia to avoid a “disastrous” invasion.

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The Independent – Ukraine hits back at UK’s rhetoric on Russia