UK and Allies Engage in Intensive Diplomatic Efforts to Prevent Russian Invasion of Ukraine

Strategic Insights -

The UK and its allies are stepping up diplomatic efforts to prevent a Russian invasion of Ukraine, with Prime Minister Boris Johnson and senior ministers set to hold talks with international counterparts. Johnson will travel to Europe later this week as part of intensive diplomatic efforts to bring Russian President Vladimir Putin "back from the brink" of war. The UK has warned its citizens to evacuate Ukraine, with Defence Secretary Ben Wallace suggesting that missiles could start raining down on the country within minutes of Putin deciding to launch an invasion.

Key Takeaways:

  • The UK and its allies are engaging in intensive diplomatic efforts to prevent a Russian invasion of Ukraine, with Prime Minister Boris Johnson set to hold talks with international counterparts.
  • Johnson will travel to Europe later this week as part of these efforts, which include meetings with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and other world leaders.
  • The UK has warned its citizens to evacuate Ukraine, with Defence Secretary Ben Wallace suggesting that missiles could start raining down on the country within minutes of Putin deciding to launch an invasion.
  • The UK and other Nato allies have urged their citizens to flee Ukraine, with some airlines cancelling flights to Kyiv amid growing concerns that the estimated 130,000 Russian troops amassed on the border could be poised to attack.
  • Ukraine's ambassador to the UK, Vadym Prystaiko, has backtracked on a suggestion that the country could consider dropping its ambition to join Nato to avoid war.
  • German Chancellor Olaf Scholz is set to meet with Putin on Tuesday, with US officials discussing intelligence that Russia is considering Wednesday as a target date to strike.
  • No 10 did not set out which world leaders Johnson was hoping to talk to or where he plans to travel before the week is over, but it was understood he is keen to engage with Nordic and Baltic countries.

Statistics:

  • More than 130,000 Russian troops are estimated to be amassed on the border with Ukraine.
  • The UK has warned its citizens to evacuate Ukraine, with Defence Secretary Ben Wallace suggesting that missiles could start raining down on the country within minutes of Putin deciding to launch an invasion.
  • Some airlines have cancelled flights to Kyiv, with the UK and other Nato allies urging their citizens to flee Ukraine.

Sources:

  • Boris Johnson will travel to Europe later this week as part of intensive diplomatic efforts to bring Russian President Vladimir Putin "back from the brink" of war in Ukraine (The Times).
  • Defence Secretary Ben Wallace suggested that missiles could start raining down on Ukraine within minutes of Putin deciding to launch an invasion (Sky News).
  • Ukraine's ambassador to the UK, Vadym Prystaiko, backtracked on a suggestion that the country could consider dropping its ambition to join Nato to avoid war (BBC Radio 5).
  • German Chancellor Olaf Scholz is set to meet with Putin on Tuesday (AP).
  • US officials are discussing intelligence that Russia is considering Wednesday as a target date to strike (AP).
  • Some airlines have cancelled flights to Kyiv, with the UK and other Nato allies urging their citizens to flee Ukraine (AP).