Yesterday at 23:53
February 14, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson spoke to US President Biden discussed the situation in Ukraine. PM Johnson’s press office reports it.
Biden and Johnson “agreed there remained a crucial window for diplomacy and for Russia to step back from its threats towards Ukraine,” reads the message. “The leaders emphasized that any further incursion into Ukraine would result in a protracted crisis for Russia, with far-reaching damage for both Russia and the world. The leaders emphasized that any further incursion into Ukraine would result in a protracted crisis for Russia, with far-reaching damage for both Russia and the world.”
They agreed that western allies must remain united in the face of Russian threats, including imposing a significant package of sanctions should Russian aggression escalate. They also reiterated the need for European countries to reduce their dependence on Russian gas, a move which, more than any other, would strike at the heart of Russia’s strategic interests.
“They discussed efforts to reinforce the defensive posture on NATO’s eastern flank and underlined the continued close coordination among Allies and partners, including on readiness to impose severe consequences on Russia should it choose further military escalation,” White House stated in its press release.
Read also: British PM Johnson: Intelligence is ‘gloomy’ over Russian invasion into Ukraine
Earlier today, Canada offered a loan of up to $393 million to support Ukraine and $ 6,1 mln worth of lethal equipment and ammunition. The U.S., Britain, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania recently rushed anti-armor missiles and other American-made weapons to Ukraine. American-made weapons to Ukraine. West’s military assistance to Ukraine amounted to $ 1.5 billion.
Read also: Canada offering $400 million loan to Ukraine, lethal weapons
Russia now has 80% of the forces in place that would be needed to begin a full-scale invasion, compared to 70% exactly a week ago. The continuing buildup is one reason the Biden administration is now warning an invasion can come within days. Russia could invade Ukraine at any moment, British foreign minister Liz Truss said following a meeting of the government’s crisis response committee.
