PM: ‘Avenue for diplomacy remains open’

Boris Johnson has said there are “mixed signals” coming out of Russia about the prospect of an invasion of Ukraine – but an “avenue for diplomacy” remains open.

Russian President Vladimir Putin also said he was prepared for further talks with the US and Nato.

Following a meeting of the Cobra emergency committee, Mr Johnson suggested there is a “diplomatic opening” to resolve the crisis without a war.

But the Russians have the preparations in place to launch an invasion at “virtually any time”, he added, despite claims from Moscow that forces were being scaled down following the conclusion of military exercises near the Ukrainian border.

The prime minister said intelligence received about Russian military activity is “not encouraging”, with the construction of field hospitals and extra forces moving closer to the border suggesting preparations are still being made for an invasion.

Russia’s defence ministry said some troops and equipment were returning to base following drills.

But Mr Johnson said intelligence suggests “more battalion tactical groups being brought closer to the border”. He added: “So, mixed signals, I think, at the moment.”

Responding to reports that US intelligence sources believe an invasion could commence at 3am local time – 1am in the UK – today, Mr Johnson said: “We think they have a huge preparation ready to go at virtually any time – 130,000 troops or more.”

Foreign Secretary Liz Truss suggested a “false flag” operation could be launched within days to give Moscow the pretext to launch an offensive.

Mr Putin, speaking following talks with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz in Moscow, said he was ready for negotiations with the US and Nato.

But he said Nato was rejecting Moscow’s demands to take membership of the alliance off the table for Ukraine and other former Soviet nations, halt weapons deployments near Russia’s borders and scale back force levels in eastern Europe.

Mr Putin said Russia did not want war, adding: “The result should be an agreement of ensuring equal security of everyone, including our country.”

Nato general secretary Jens Stoltenberg said the “door remains open” for Ukraine to join the alliance.

US President Joe Biden said the US has “not yet verified” Russia’s claim that some of its forces have withdrawn from the Ukraine border, adding an invasion of Ukraine remains a distinct possibility.

Mr Biden continued to express scepticism about Russia’s intentions.

Mr Biden warned again that if Russia invades Ukraine, the US “will rally the world to oppose its aggression”.

TENSIONS: Military training for schoolchildren living in Lviv, Ukraine.