A Russian invasion of Ukraine could happen imminently Boris Johnson has warned as he cut short his visit to Scotland and the north of England to return to London and engage in talks with US President Joe Biden.
As western leaders voiced concerns about the deteriorating situation on the Ukraine border Foreign Secretary Liz Truss convened a Cobra meeting to discuss the UK’s response.
Number 10 said Johnson would receive an intelligence briefing on his return to London, having been due to visit Cumbria, and will convene another full Cobra meeting on Tuesday.
The Foreign Secretary repeated a call for Britons to leave Ukraine because of the threat of war, after chairing a meeting of the Government’s emergency committee.
Truss said: “We are fully aware that there could be a Russian invasion almost immediately.
“That is why British citizens do need to leave Ukraine but we are also pursuing the path of diplomacy and de-escalation.”Downing Street said British nationals should not expect a “military airlift” from Ukraine and indicated that Parliament could be recalled if Russia invades Ukraine this week.
Asked if this was a possibility, the PM’s official spokesman said: “While I wouldn’t get into a hypothetical, obviously we would discuss that with the Speaker – and in that situation you would expect that the Prime Minister would want Parliament to be updated and for it to have its say.”
Reports based on US intelligence assessments have suggested an invasion could be launched as soon as Wednesday.
The Prime Minister said: “The signs, as you’ve heard from President Biden that they’re at least planning for something that could take place as early as in the next 48 hours.
“That is extremely concerning.”
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