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The UK is preparing to send a “clear message to the Kremlin” by increasing its number of troops deployed across Europe – as NATO hopes to prevent Russia from “choosing a path of bloodshed and destruction” by invading Ukraine.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has ordered the armed forces to prepare for the major military deployment, which could see double the number of troops deployed, to strengthen Europe’s borders and ensure the UK is “able to support our NATO allies on land, at sea and in the air”.
Mr Johnson said the move will show Moscow the UK will not “tolerate their destabilising activity, and we will stand with our NATO allies in the face of Russian hostility”.
UK officials will be deployed to Brussels to finalise the details of the agreement with NATO next week.
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The move comes as the Foreign Office is expected to announce tougher sanctions on Monday, which will allow the UK to target Russia‘s strategic and financial interests.
Speaking of of the UK’s plan to contribute more troops to NATO, Mr Johnson said: “This package would send a clear message to the Kremlin – we will not tolerate their destabilising activity, and we will always stand with our NATO allies in the face Russian hostility.
“If President Putin chooses a path of bloodshed and destruction, it will be a tragedy for Europe. Ukraine must be free to choose its own future.
“I have ordered our armed forces to prepare to deploy across Europe next week, ensuring we are able to support our NATO allies on land, at sea and in the air.”
Moscow has denied it is planning to invade Ukraine, while at the same time amassing some 120,000 troops near the border of its Eastern European neighbour.
Russia has also…
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Source : skynews
