Truss to speak in Kiev on visit to Ukraine

Liz Truss is planning to visit Ukraine this week as diplomatic efforts continue to prevent a war in the region.

The foreign secretary is to give a speech in the capital Kiev, where she is expected to underscore the principle of national sovereignty and call on Russia to pursue diplomacy.

The Foreign Office said Ms Truss will visit Ukraine, Poland and Germany where she is expected to reiterate the UK’S call for Russia to abide by its commitments, respect Ukraine’s sovereignty, and warn Moscow that pursuing a path of aggression will lead to severe economic sanctions.

On the trip, Ms Truss will meet her Ukraine counterpart, Foreign Minister Kuleba and Polish Foreign Minister Rau in a demonstration of unified support for Ukrainian sovereignty.

On Saturday, she will then attend the Munich Security Conference where the Foreign Office said she will strengthen security ties with some of the UK’S key strategic allies.

In a planned speech in Ukraine’s capital, Ms Truss is expected to say: “We want to live in a world where people are in charge of their own future, free from aggression and coercion, where security is truly indivisible and where nations respect the sovereignty of others, and live up to their commitments.

“That means working together with our friends in Ukraine and beyond to face down threats wherever they are across the world.

“I urge Russia to take the path of diplomacy. We are ready to talk. But we are very clear – if they decide to continue down the path of aggression, there will be massive consequences, bringing Russia severe economic costs and pariah status.”