Boris Johnson: UK will not ‘look away’ from Ukraine invasion

Boris Johnson has given an address to the British public, vowing that Britain “cannot and will not just look away” as Vladimir Putin launched an invasion of Ukraine.

Mr Johnson pledged to unite with allies to respond with a massive package of sanctions designed to “hobble the Russian economy”.

In a televised address to the nation at midday, the Prime Minister said the world could not stand by and allow the freedom of Ukraine to be “snuffed out” as Moscow hit its neighbour with a wide-ranging attack, hitting cities and bases with airstrikes or shelling.

“This act of wanton and reckless aggression is an attack not just on Ukraine, it’s an attack on democracy and freedom in eastern Europe and around the world,” Mr Johnson said.

He spoke from No 10 after chairing an urgent Cobra emergency committee meeting on Thursday morning and is scheduled to speak to the Commons in the evening.

In his address to the nation, the Prime Minister said the UK stood with Ukraine in its “moment of agony”.

“I say to the Ukrainians in this moment of agony, we are with you. We are praying for you and your families, and we are on your side,” he said.

“If the months ahead are grim and the flame of freedom burns low, I know that it will blaze bright again in Ukraine.

“For all his bombs and tanks and missiles, I don’t believe the Russian dictator will ever subdue the national feeling of the Ukrainians and their passionate belief that their country should be free.”

Earlier today the Prime Minister tweeted that he will “speak to fellow G7 leaders and I am calling for an urgent meeting of all Nato leaders as soon as possible.”

Mr Johnson concluded his television address by saying: “I say to the British people, and all who have heard the threats from Putin against those who stand with Ukraine, we will, of course, do everything to keep our country safe.”

He added: “We will work with them, for however long it takes, to ensure that the sovereignty and independence of Ukraine is restored.

“Because this act of wanton and reckless aggression is an attack not just on Ukraine, it’s an attack on democracy and freedom in eastern Europe, and around the world.

“This crisis is about the right of a free, sovereign, independent European people to choose their own future.

“That is a right that the UK will always defend.”

What has Vladimir Putin said?

Early on Thursday morning, Russian President Vladimir Putin made a TV address saying Russia would conduct a military operation in Eastern Ukraine.

He said the action was a response to threats from Ukraine, warning other countries that any attempt to interfere with the Russian action would lead to “consequences they have never seen”.

He said Russia does not intend to occupy Ukraine, and claimed responsibility for bloodshed lies with the Ukrainian “regime”.

Mr Putin said the action was a response to threats from Ukraine.

Russia said it has only targeted Ukrainian air bases and other military assets, not populated areas.

Foreign Office minister James Cleverly described the comments as “bully” tactics and said the UK will respond with “unprecedented” sanctions “to punish the appalling decision” by Russia’s leader.

What has happened in Ukraine since Putin's announcement?

Explosions could be heard in the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv, shortly after Mr Putin’s address, while explosions were also reported in the cities of Odesa and Kharkiv.

Elsewhere, footage appeared to show queues of people fleeing their homes, and Russian military crossing the border into Ukraine.

How has the Ukrainian government responded?

Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky has declared martial law and urged people to stay indoors, amid reports of missile strikes and explosions across the country.

Mr Zelensky called on Ukrainian nationals to volunteer for the resistance effort.

He said: “We will give weapons to anyone who wants to defend the country. Be ready to support Ukraine in the squares of our cities.

“We will lift sanctions on all citizens of Ukraine who are ready to defend our country as part of territorial defence with weapons in hands.

“We have severed diplomatic relations with Russia. For all those who have not yet lost their conscience in Russia, it is time to go out and protest against the war with Ukraine.”

Britons in Ukraine

Flights between the UK and Ukraine have been suspended as the crisis in the eastern European country intensifies.

Ukraine closed its airspace in the early hours of Thursday morning after Russia launched a major military assault.

The UK Foreign Office advised British nationals to leave Ukraine “immediately if you judge it is safe to do so”.

It added: “If you cannot leave safely, you should stay indoors, away from windows, and remain alert to developments that would allow you to leave safely.”

Although the Foreign Office also advised that British nationals in Ukraine “should not expect increased consular support or help with evacuating”.

What effect has the invasion had on the wider world?

Financial Markets across the globe slumped this morning and oil prices soared to levels not seen in eight years after Russian President Vladimir Putin launched the invasion of Ukraine.

Trading was suspended on the Moscow Stock Exchange before reopening down nearly 30% and the rouble plummeted to a record low against the dollar.

In London, the FTSE 100 leading index of shares lost more than 200 points when opening at 8am. By 8.30am it was down 172 points, or 2.26%. The FTSE 250 was down 2%.

France and Germany saw even heavier falls, with the country’s leading stock markets dropping 3.7% and 3.9% respectively in early trading.

Russian-facing companies on the FTSE 100 took the brunt of the hits, with further sanctions looming.

Concern over increasing petrol prices

Motorists are being warned over the possibility of petrol prices soaring to £1.60 a litre following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

The price of Brent crude oil hit its highest level in eight years after increasing by 6.3% to 102.90 US dollars per barrel shortly after 8am on Thursday.

Average fuel prices at UK forecourts are already at record highs, and the situation is expected to worsen as retailers pass on further rises in wholesale costs.

RAC fuel spokesman Simon Williams said: “Russia’s actions will now push petrol pump prices up to £1.50 very soon.

AA president Edmund King said: “Russia’s attack on Ukraine and resulting geopolitical uncertainty has pushed Brent crude above 100 US dollars per barrel for the first time since 2014.

“This will result in hikes in prices at the pumps.

“New record fuel prices are likely any time soon.”

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