What did Boris Johnson say today? PM’s statement on Russia invasion of Ukraine and UK reply to Vladimir Putin

Boris Johnson said “our worst fears have now come true” after Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered an invasion of Ukraine.

In a televised address to the nation, the Prime Minister vowed that Britain “cannot and will not just look away” as he promised fresh new sanctions on Russia.

Ukraine has been hit by a series of attacks on Thursday (24 February) with airstrikes being carried out on major cities.

Here we take a look at what Boris Johnson said and what could happen next.

What did Boris Johnson say about the Russian invasion of Ukraine?

The Prime Minister said the world could not stand by and allow the freedom of Ukraine to be “snuffed out”.

He said: “This act of wanton and reckless aggression is an attack not just on Ukraine, it’s an attack on democracy and freedom in eastern Europe and around the world.”

Mr Johnson went on to criticise the Russian President for “unleashing war in Europe” and attacking Ukraine “without any provocation and without any credible excuse”.

He said: “Innumerable missiles and bombs have been raining down on an entirely innocent population.

“A vast invasion is under way by land, by sea and by air.

“We, and the world, cannot allow that freedom just to be snuffed out.

“We cannot and will not just look away.”

The Prime Minister concluded his statement by saying that he will “do everything to keep our country safe”.

He said: “I say to the British people, and all who have heard the threats from Putin against those who stand with Ukraine, we will, of course, do everything to keep our country safe.”

He added: “This crisis is about the right of a free, sovereign, independent European people to choose their own future.

“That is a right that the UK will always defend.”

How will the UK respond to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine?

The Prime Minister confirmed that new sanctions would be imposed on Russia in the coming hours.

He said: “Today in concert with our allies we will agree to a massive package of economic sanctions designed in time to hobble the Russian economy.

“Diplomatically, politically, economically, and eventually, militarily, this hideous and barbaric venture of Vladimir Putin must end in failure.”

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