Foreign Secretary's statement follwing NATO-Russia Council

Commenting on the NATO-Russia Council today, Foreign Secretary Liz Truss said:

The UK and our Allies made clear to Russia that its military build-up on the border of Ukraine and in illegally annexed Crimea is unacceptable. We condemn Russia’s aggression and destabilising activity.

A further military incursion into Ukraine would be a massive strategic mistake and come with a severe cost on Russia’s economy, including coordinated sanctions. The quagmire of a long-running conflict would cost lives and damage communities on both sides. This is the reality of armed conflict, as we have seen before.

Russia is in violation of its commitments through its recent actions on the borders of Ukraine and in illegally annexed Crimea. The UK and our allies are united in our support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and we are pushing back against the Kremlin’s threatening behaviour.

What happens next will be absolutely critical to peace and security in Europe. The only way forward is for Russia to de-escalate and engage in meaningful discussions.