Global report
1 RUSSIA/UKRAINE
Conflict would spread to other countries, says Truss
The UK foreign secretary, Liz Truss, has warned of a “dangerous moment for the world” as the prospect of a Russian invasion of Ukraine could embolden other countries such as Iran and China to expand their ambitions.
Speaking on Sky News, Truss said: “We could be on the brink of a war in Europe.”
Her comments came as world leaders made last-ditch efforts for a diplomatic solution to the crisis on the Russia-Ukraine border.
A core pillar of the dispute is Russia’s demand for a guarantee that Ukraine will not join Nato, the defensive alliance of 30 countries. But Truss has said it is not for Russia to determine Ukraine’s security arrangements. “I fear it would not stop at Ukraine. This is an attack on the neighbouring states of Russia and other east European countries,” she said.
Asked to expand on this point, the foreign secretary added: “We could also see other aggressors around the world see it as an opportunity to expand their ambitions.”
Russia has amassed at least 100,000 troops on the Ukrainian border and Truss said an invasion of Ukraine was “highly likely”.
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2 SERBIA
Djokovic willing to miss grand slams to avoid jabs
The tennis world No 1 Novak Djokovic says he
