Boris Johnson is set to hold a press conference today in Ukraine amid mounting fears of a Russian invasion.
The Prime Minister flew to Kyiv this morning to meet his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky.
He was set to travel with Foreign Secretary Liz Truss but she is self isolating as she tested positive for Covid last night.
There are around 100,000 Russian troops flanked with tanks, missiles and artillery on Ukraine's borders.
Vladimir Putin has denied he is planning an attack, but has warned Ukraine against making any further moves towards joining Nato.
The PM appeared in high spirits as he boarded the chartered plane from Stansted airport and left domestic troubles behind for the afternoon.
Mr Johnson and Mr Zelensky will hold the press conference together at 1645 UK time.
The Prime Minister’s official spokesman said Mr Johnson would discuss with the Ukrainian leader the new financial support offered by the UK “and how the UK will continue to stand by Ukraine’s side in face of this”.
“And obviously we want to hear from President Zelensky about his expectations of what he wants from the UK and other allies so we can continue to work together."
Before jetting to Kyiv, the PM told Cabinet the “situation was deeply concerning and that there were no indications of Russia de-escalating - with more than 100,000 troops currently amassed on Ukraine’s border”, his spokesman said.
Mr Johnson insisted he “would not compromise on the Ukrainian people’s rights to aspire to NATO membership and to choose their own destiny”.
Chief of the Defence Staff Admiral Sir Tony Radakin warned ministers of “the potential impact on the UK and the action being taken to mitigate risk and encourage Russia to pursue a diplomatic resolution”, said Mr Johnson’s spokesman.
The head of the Armed Forces added that “a significant proportion of Russia's land combat power was now gathered on the western border, coupled with deterrence operations such as military exercises on a scale never seen before”.
Adm Sir Tony said it “fitted into a pattern of coercion and intimidation that sought to undermine the values and principles of the West”.
The Prime Minister's official spokesman said Mr Johnson is playing an "active role" in easing tensions between Russia and Ukraine.
Mr Johnson had been due to speak to Putin, on Monday, but Mr Johnson asked for it to be rescheduled as he once again battled to defend his premiership in marathon session in the Commons.
Putin refused to have the call a day later, so it will be held tomorrow February 2.
Dominic Raab, Deputy Prime Minister played down fears the late reschedule meant Putin disregarded their call.
Mr Raab said there are "always scheduling issues between any two heads of government" and said Mr Johnson is "leading the transatlantic response" to the crisis.
