A Russian invasion of Ukraine would be “a disastrous mistake”, Boris Johnson warned Vladimir Putin tonight after talks with a key NATO ally.
The Prime Minister held negotiations in No10 with Lithuanian counterpart Ingrida Šimonytė as fears mount that Kremlin forces will cross the border into eastern Ukraine.
“The leaders discussed the UK’s unwavering support for Lithuania and the two nations’ close and historic ties,” said a Downing Street spokeswoman.
“They agreed that any invasion by Russia into Ukraine would be a disastrous mistake, and that it was important to continue providing practical economic and defence support to Ukraine.
“They shared their concern at the severe cost to the Russian people and their economy should President Putin move his troops over Ukraine’s border.”
The PMs met as an estimated 125,000 Kremlin troops mass on the Ukrainian frontier.
Western leaders have sought to reassure NATO countries in the region of their protection under the alliance’s Article V - that an attack on one member is an attack on all.
Lithuania joined NATO in 2004 but Russian leader Mr Putin has demanded the alliance retreat to its 1997 borders.
Mr Johnson told the Lithuanian PM: "We're shoulder to shoulder with you and all our NATO allies and we want to make clear that we support you... when it comes to the immigration issues in Belarus and all the questions that we're now facing."
He added: "We are closer than ever before, I think it's fair to say. We see eye to eye on a lot of very important matters.”
Ms Šimonytė said the UK’s backing was "crucial" because "the times are, so to say, not the calmest".
Mr Johnson agreed: "They're not calm."
