Boris Johnson squirmed on the international stage as he was asked about partygate moments after warning Vladimir Putin against more Russian aggression.
The Prime Minister appeared to smirk as he was asked why the international community should take his diplomacy seriously as he is preoccupied with talking to Tory MPs before talking to Putin.
Mr Johnson shook his head, raised his eyebrows and clenched the lectern as he was questioned on his political priorities.
The PM was expected to speak to Putin yesterday afternoon, but he pleaded for the vital call to be rescheduled as he faced a marathon session in the House of Commons after Sue Gray's partial report was published.
Swerving the question on his leadership, Mr Johnson told the press conference: "It goes without saying a further Russian invasion of Ukraine would be a political disaster, a humanitarian disaster and in my view for Russia and the world a military disaster as well.
"A potential invasion completely flies in the face of President Putin's claims to be acting in the interests of the Ukrainian people.
"The Prime Minister said the UK and its allies were ready to launch sanctions against Russia “the moment the first Russian toecap crosses further into Ukrainian territory”.
Speaking after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Mr Johnson admitted his Ukrainian counterpart faces a "grim reality" as hundreds of thousands of Russian troops are gathering on the countries border.
He even described Russia's aggression as the "biggest demonstration of hostility towards Ukraine in our lifetime".
But he insisted the prepared sanctions were not a "show of hostility towards Russia".
Putin has repeatedly denied preparing to invade Ukraine.
Mr Zelensky said "no one can predict or know what happens next" as he described the 2014 war in Crimea as "completely unexpected".
In a joint statement released after the pair had a private meeting, Mr Johnson and the Ukranian President Zelenskyy said: "The Prime Minister emphasised the United Kingdom’s unwavering commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders.
"The United Kingdom stands shoulder to shoulder with Ukraine in the face of ongoing Russian aggression, which threatens regional peace and security and undermines the global order. The two leaders emphasised that it is the right of every Ukrainian to determine their own future.
“The leaders warned that any further Russian incursion in Ukraine would be a massive strategic mistake and have a stark humanitarian cost.
“Ukraine and the United Kingdom agreed to work together to strengthen Ukraine’s security and ability to defend itself. The leaders also expressed their commitment to strengthen Ukraine’s energy security and support its efforts towards the green transition.
"The Prime Minister announced £88 million of new funding to aid efforts to build Ukraine’s resilience and reduce reliance on Russian energy supplies."
