It is “not impossible” that Russia will launch an attack which could hit Nato territory, a Cabinet minister admitted as fears rise about an escalation of the conflict in Ukraine.
Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky warned it was “only a matter of time” before the alliance was struck following a Russian attack on a base less than 15 miles from the border with Nato member Poland.
Health Secretary Sajid Javid said he believed a direct attack on a Nato member was still “very unlikely” but warned it would trigger a response from the alliance, which has a policy of mutual defence.
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Mr Javid told BBC’s Today programme: “We’ve made it very clear to the Russians even before the start of this conflict.
“Even if a single Russian toecap steps into Nato territory, then it will be considered an act of war.”
The attack on the Yavoriv base, which has previously been used by Nato to train Ukrainian soldiers, was one of the western-most targets struck by Russia during the invasion.
Mr Zelensky, who spoke to Boris Johnson on Sunday, used the attack near the Polish frontier to renew his call for Nato allies to “close” the skies above Ukraine.
Downing Street said the strike so close to a Nato member is “deeply concerning” and that the UK is seeking to build the “broadest possible coalition” against the Russian aggression.
“These strikes are deeply concerning,” the Prime Minister’s official spokesman said. “We want everyone in the international community to condemn Putin’s barbaric acts.”
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