Russia Ukraine: Massive consequences if Moscow invades, G7 sayson December 12, 2021 at 11:50 am

- Advertisement -
- Advertisement -
- Advertisement -
- Advertisement -

Moscow is amassing troops on Ukraine’s border, but President Putin insists they pose no threat.

The G7 group of rich democracies has warned Russia of “massive consequences” if it invades Ukraine.

UK Foreign Secretary Liz Truss, speaking after a summit in Liverpool, said the group wanted Russia to stop its aggression towards Ukraine

However President Putin told President Biden during their video call last week that Russian troops did not pose a threat to anyone, Russian media report.

Tensions are growing as Moscow amasses troops on Ukraine’s border.

Mr Putin added that he had no particular grounds for optimism after speaking to Mr Biden, but would like to meet him in person, local media quoted Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov as saying.

Russia and the US continue to have serious conceptual differences, Mr Peskov added.

Ukrainian authorities have said Moscow could be planning a military offensive at the end of January, although US officials say it is not yet clear whether Mr Putin has made a decision.

On Tuesday Mr Biden and Mr Putin held a virtual summit aimed at reducing tensions in the region.

Mr Biden said he had made it clear to Mr Putin that there would be “economic consequences like none he’s ever seen” if he invaded Ukraine.

On Sunday Ms Truss echoed that, telling reporters: “We’ve been clear that any incursion by Russia into Ukraine would have massive consequences for which there would be a severe cost.”

Ukraine shares borders with both the EU and Russia, but as a former Soviet republic it has deep social and cultural ties with Russia.

However, Russia has accused Ukraine of provocation, and sought guarantees against eastward Nato expansion and deployment of weapons close to its border.

On Thursday Mr Putin hardened his rhetoric over the situation in Ukraine, saying the war in the country’s east looked like genocide.

Russian-backed rebels have been fighting Ukrainian troops there since 2014.

“We see and know what is happening in Donbas,” he said, referring to the conflict zone. “It certainly looks like genocide.”

- Advertisement -

Discover

Sponsor

Latest

Oliver Dowden firm on pay as nurses warn of more strikeson December 18, 2022 at 11:43 am

The union says ministers must respond within 48 hours of next week's walkout to avoid more action.This video can not be playedTo play this...

What is the UN High Seas Treaty and why is it needed?on March 5, 2023 at 3:02 am

The first international agreement to protect the world's oceans for 40 years has been reached.The first international agreement to protect the world's oceans for...

World Cup 2022: Emiliano Martinez’s penalty shootout mind games help Argentina to victoryon December 18, 2022 at 8:00 pm

Emi Martinez's penalty shootout mind games help secure an incredible win for Argentina and make the dancing goalkeeper a hero.Emi Martinez's penalty shootout mind...

Captain Sir Tom Moore’s funeral to be ‘spectacular’on February 27, 2021 at 6:50 am

A small, family service will be held for the 100-year-old who raised almost £33m for the NHS.Captain Sir Tom Moore's funeral later today will...

ITV made efforts to find out truth about Schofieldon December 7, 2023 at 2:17 pm

The former presenter left ITV after he admitted lying about the affair.Image source, PA MediaBy Noor NanjiCulture reporterITV made "considerable efforts" to find out...