RUSSIA POISED TO STRIKE

THE West should expect action by Russia, including targeting Ukraine with missiles, as premier Vladimir Putin attempts to keep the pressure on, experts have warned.

- Marco Giannangeli

The prediction follows three high-level meetings last week intended to deflate the crisis – but which ended in deadlock.

Last night the Defence Secretary warned an invasion into Ukraine would violate the “most basic freedoms and sovereignty”.

Issuing a second warning in a week to Moscow, Ben Wallace said there would be “consequences” of any Russian aggression.

The Foreign Secretary also sent out a stern warning to Russia.

In a tweet yesterday, Liz Truss said: “Russia must halt its aggression, deescalate and engage in meaningful talks.”

On Monday, Ben Wallace fired a shot across the bows, telling an event in London that Britain would “stand up to bullies”, no matter how far away the conflict.

British cyber experts were scrambled on Friday to help Kiev after several Ukrainian government departments, including the ministry of foreign affairs, were hit by a massive cyber attack.

Hackers, believed to have been working for Russia, left messages showing the Ukrainian flag crossed out with the ominous warning: “Ukrainians! All information about you has become public.

“Be afraid and expect worse. It’s your past, present and future.”

Russia is already thought to have struck earlier in the week, when an undersea cable connecting Norway with an Arctic satellite station in Svalbard was cut.