Invasion Of Ukraine ‘Highly Likely And Very Imminent'

PM says conflict could be ‘biggest war in Europe’ since 1945

- Jon Stone

A Russian invasion of Ukraine is “very, very highly likely and very, very imminent” a UK foreign minister has said. Speaking yesterday, James Cleverly said Vladimir Putin’s government was getting “more aggressive” and “more belligerent”.

His comments come as Boris Johnson said such a conflict “could be the biggest war in Europe” since the Second World War. Mr Cleverly’s assessment contrasts with that of German chancellor Olaf Scholz, who on Saturday said the Kremlin had signalled it was open to dialogue. Mr Scholz and Mr Johnson both attended the Munich Security Conference where the issue was discussed.

Last night Emmanuel Macron, the French president, claimed to have secured a commitment from Mr Putin to engage in immediate fresh efforts for a ceasefire.

During a diplomatic flurry yesterday, billed by the Elysee Palace as a “last possible” bid to avert an invasion, the French leader held separate calls with his counterparts in Russia and Ukraine. Following a 105-minute phone call with Mr Putin, Mr Macron’s office said the pair had agreed to work “intensively” for meetings to be held aimed at securing a ceasefire in the Donbas region.