Boris joins Biden, Macron and EU leaders in NATO crunch talks as Russia tensions escalate

Boris Johnson issues warning to Russia about invading Ukraine

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Germany’s Olaf Scholz, Poland’s Andrzej Duda and Italy’s Mario Draghi were also on the call, along with the leader of NATO. This comes as Russia has stationed around 100,000 troops on its border with UKraine. In response, 8,500 US troops have been put on heightened alert for possible deployment to eastern Europe, the Pentagon has said.

The forces could be sent at very short notice in order to support NATO troops, should the bloc activate a rapid response force.

Mr Johnson earlier warned of “gloomy” intelligence suggesting that Russia was planning a raid on Kiev.

But Pentagon spokesperson John Kirby said that it was yet to make a decision on whether or not to deploy the troops.

NATO has so far stationed rouhgly 4,000 troops in Estonia, Lithuania, Latvia and Poland.

The forces are supported by tanks, air defences and intelligence and surveillance units.

Moscow has demanded that NATO promise it will not allow Ukraine to join the defensive alliance.

Mr Johnson said: “The intelligence is very clear that there are 60 Russian battle groups on the borders of Ukraine, the plan for a lightning war that could take out Kyiv is one that everybody can see.

“We need to make it very clear to the Kremlin, to Russia, that that would be a disastrous step.”

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He said that, “from a Russian perspective”, any invasion is “going to be a painful, violent and bloody business”.

He added: “I think it’s very important that people in Russia understand that this could be a new Chechnya.”

“I’ve got to tell you that I think the intelligence is pretty gloomy at this point.

“There is certainly a very, very large array of Russian forces and we have to take the necessary steps.

“I don’t think it’s by any means inevitable now, I think that sense can still prevail.”

Speaking about the people of Ukraine, he said: “My judgement is that they will fight.”

Downing Street confirmed that there are “no plans to send UK combat troops” to Ukraine.

Meanwhile, the Foreign Office said it was withdrawing some embassy staff from the country’s capital.

A spokesperson said: “Some embassy staff and dependants are being withdrawn from Kiev in response to the growing threat from Russia.

“The British Embassy remains open and will continue to carry out essential work.”

A spokesperson for the Prime Minister said that around 30 British diplomats, including the ambassador, remained in the country.

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