A Russian incursion into Ukraine it would violate “the most fundamental freedoms and sovereignty”, the defense secretary said after a visit to Scandinavia.
Issued a second warning in a week in Moscow, ben wallace he said there would be “consequences” of any Russian aggression against Ukraine.
On Monday he took aim at archery, telling an event in London that Britain would “stand up to the thugs” no matter how far the conflict goes.
Tensions on the border with Ukraine remain tense, with the United States suggesting that Moscow prepares for a “false flag operation” cause an incursion into neighboring territory.
The new US intelligence was released after Little progress has been made in the talks between the Kremlin and Washington and its Western allies in order to prevent the crisis from escalating.
Foreign Secretary Liz Truss, appearing to support US intelligence, accused Russia of “running a campaign of disinformation designed to destabilize and justify an invasion” of Ukraine, calling on the president Vladimir Poutine to “defuse” the military presence.
Amid the standoff, Wallace met with Nordic partners this week, including Finland, which shares a border with Russia.
The Defense Ministry said it met with ministers in Sweden, Finland and Norway to discuss Russia’s continued aggression and military buildup on Ukraine’s border, with some 100,000 troops massed at the demarcation line.
The Defense Secretary said: “The UK and our Nordic partners are united in our approach to maintaining European security.
“My discussions this week focused directly on deepening bilateral relations, shared security and the consequences of Russian aggression against Ukraine.
“Our discussions made it clear that a Russian invasion of Ukraine would be a strategic mistake, violating the most fundamental freedoms and sovereignty.
“Britain and the Nordic countries have a long common history.
“Our European neighbors and allies remain essential partners as we work together to uphold our shared values, counter common threats and build resilience in our neighborhood. The UK will always be with them. »
Labor says the threats facing Ukraine must be fought with ‘strength and determination’ by NATO and Europe, after shadow defense secretary John Healey surrendered in the country this week. .
“Western allies must work hard to maintain their deterrent pressure on Russia and support Ukraine,” Healey said.
The Defense Ministry said Wallace met his Swedish counterpart, Defense Minister Peter Hultqvist, before traveling to Finland for talks with President Sauli Niinistö, Foreign Minister Pekka Haavisto and Minister of Defense Peter Hultqvist Antti Kaikkonen.
During the third leg of his trip, the Secretary of Defense met with his Norwegian counterpart, Odd Roger Enoksen.
