Liz Truss warns President Vladimir Putin there will be “consequences” if he invades Ukraine
Russia would face “serious consequences” if it invaded Ukraine, Foreign Minister Liz Truss warned at the G7 summit yesterday.
She expressed “deep concern” over the build-up of Russian troops at the border, saying the UK would seek to harm the Russian economy if Moscow incursion.
Her strong message came as she welcomed her counterparts to Liverpool in a show of Western unity against Russia, China and Iran.
She told her allies in the United States, Canada, France, Germany, Italy and Japan the need to “defend against growing threats from hostile actors”.
“We must unite firmly to resist the aggressors who seek to limit the limits of freedom and democracy,” she added.
Speaking at the G7 summit in Liverpool on Friday, Foreign Minister Liz Truss (pictured) expressed “deep concern” over the build-up of Russian troops on the Ukrainian border
Last week, US intelligence services revealed that President Vladimir Putin had amassed more than 100,000 troops near the Ukrainian border and had started planning for a possible invasion, which is expected to take place as early as next year.
US President Joe Biden met twice last week with Boris Johnson and the leaders of Germany, Italy and France – dubbed NATO’s “Quint” – as Western leaders deliberated on how to deal with the crisis. threatens.
Ms Truss said it would be a “strategic mistake” for President Putin to send troops across the border, adding: “The purpose of the G7 meeting is a demonstration of unity between like-minded major economies in which we will absolutely be strong our stance against aggression against Ukraine.
She added: “There will be serious consequences if anything were to happen. And we are building security and economic relations with like-minded partners, including Ukraine, to protect them in the future.
Ms Truss said Defense Secretary Ben Wallace visited Ukraine “very recently” as Britain helped the country develop its defense and security capabilities.
A deal struck last month will see the sale of British warships and missiles to Kiev.
President Putin invaded and annexed Crimea in 2014, when tensions between Russia and Ukraine erupted after protesters toppled the pro-Moscow government in Kiev.
Vladimir Putin (pictured) had amassed more than 100,000 troops near the Ukrainian border and had started planning for a possible invasion.” class=”blkBorder img-share” style=”max-width:100%” />
Last week, US intelligence revealed that President Vladimir Putin (pictured) had amassed more than 100,000 troops near the Ukrainian border and had started planning for a possible invasion.
Moscow has denied its intention to invade Ukraine, saying it is “alarmed” by the Western push to supply Kiev with arms.
Ms Truss said Britain would also push for an alternative to Russian gas supplies in a bid to establish stronger energy security in Europe.
She said: “There have been decisions made by the free world in the short term to get cheap energy or cheap finance, and it comes at a long term cost to freedom and democracy. We can no longer redo this error.
His comments may have been aimed at countries like Germany, which depends on Russian gas.
It also appears that she may have been referring to Britain itself, which over the years has become a haven for Russian state-backed oligarchs, who have invested billions in the City and beyond. the London real estate market, which has earned the capital the nickname “Londongrad”. .
America will send its top diplomat for Europe, Karen Donfried, to Kiev and Moscow this week to “strengthen the United States’ commitment to Ukrainian sovereignty,” the State Department said.
Ms. Truss will also discuss ways to forge alliances against China, meeting with ministers from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.
The G7 has launched its “Build a Better World” initiative to provide developing countries in Asia and Africa with funding for massive infrastructure projects, as an alternative to China’s “Belt and Road” initiative.
Ms Truss told her G7 counterparts that democracies must fight “economic coercion” and “win the battle of technology” – both referred to Beijing’s growing influence in the world.
Ms Truss and US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken also discussed how to revive the troubled Iran nuclear deal, and both indicated that if the Islamic Republic signs the deal, there could be a possible easing of the deal. sanctions.
The foreign minister warned that the nuclear talks in Vienna are “Iran’s last chance to re-sign” the agreement.