Boris Johnson has made clear the UK will not send troops to Ukraine if Russia launches a full-scale invasion, but there are other ways of aiding the European ally.
Moscow sent “peacekeeping” forces into Russian-backed rebel-held areas of western Ukraine on Monday night, after President Vladimir Putin said the country would recognise the self-proclaimed republics of Donetsk and Luhansk as two independent states.
Following the move, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said President Putin has “denied Ukraine’s legitimacy as a state” and is “establishing the pretext for a full-scale offensive”.
Mr Johnson announced sanctions on five Russian banks and three oligarchs, but is facing calls to go further.
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Why has the UK said it will not send in troops?
The British government has been clear its response will not involve British combat forces in Ukraine, as it is not part of NATO, but they have been training Ukrainian forces for years.
Training only stopped a few days ago as tensions with Russia increased further.
Despite this, the UK and other allies have increased numbers of troops in NATO countries surrounding Ukraine.
What weapons has the UK already sent to Ukrainian forces?
With Russian forces amassing at the border over recent weeks, the UK responded by sending Ukraine “self-defence” weapons.
These include anti-tank missiles – one is the Javelin anti-tank guided missile that uses infrared guidance to hit tanks from the top and can be used against buildings and helicopters.
Ukrainian forces have been testing anti-tank missiles during training as Russia sent tanks over the border. Pic: Ukrainian Armed Forces
The other is the…
Source : skynews
