Russia-Ukraine war: British foreign minister declares ‘harsh’, defense minister must post a forum ‘clearly’

Specifically, on Thursday, Defense Secretary Ben Wallace said that the statements of Foreign Secretary Liz Truss – made in a high-level speech – adhere to the long-standing position of the West since its inception. Russia annexed the Crimean peninsula in 2014.

“We have repeatedly said that Russia should withdraw from the sovereign territory of Ukraine, so that position has not changed,” Mr Wallace told Sky News.

But when asked if Britain would support Ukraine militarily in any offensive to retake Crimea, Mr Wallace stressed: “There is a long way to go before Ukraine takes Crimea back. I think, what I’m sure of is, we’re supporting Ukraine’s sovereign integrity. We have done that so far. That includes of course Crimea.”

Earlier, speaking to diplomats and business leaders in London late on Wednesday, Ms. Truss said Britain remained determined to provide military support to Ukraine.

“We will continue to go further and faster to push Russia out of Ukraine,” Truss said, calling on Western allies to increase production of military vehicles including tanks and planes. to help Kiev.

Meanwhile, Mr. Wallace reiterated that any UK tanks and planes would not be sent directly to Ukraine but would instead “fill up” the Soviet-era arsenals of countries such as Ukraine. Poland to send them to Ukraine.

Mr. Wallace also said that Brimstone long-range missiles have already been sent to Ukraine and Britain is considering sending more to Ukraine.

Earlier, in his speech, Foreign Minister Liz Truss called on Western allies to “double down” on their support for Ukraine amid fears that Russia’s war could last five years. year or so. Ms. Truss said that Kiev needed more tanks, fighters and other heavy weapons.

Fears that the move would escalate the war were misplaced, Truss said, and “inaction would be the greatest provocation.”

She also said that the present moment is “a time for courage, not prudence”.

“We will never feel safe again. So we have to prepare for the long haul and redouble our support for Ukraine.”

According to The Times, there is no sign of an end to hostilities between Russia and Ukraine, leading Ms. Truss to fear that the war could last five years or even double that number.

The British foreign minister also called for tougher economic sanctions against Russia, saying the West must cut off Russian oil and gas imports “once and for all”.