The build-up of 100,000 Russian troops on Ukraine's border is a "grim reality," he added. Johnson, who stressed that his country, along with the West, has been a strong supporter of Ukraine.
He announced an £88 million fund to help Ukraine, including on its energy independence, and referred to the British plan for enhanced sanctions against Russian interests in an "automatic" manner in the event of an invasion, not as an act hostile to Russia, as he stressed, but as a signal of support for Ukraine's integrity and independence.
He added that the Ukrainian people have the inalienable right to join any organization they wish, and stressed that "it is vital that Russia step back and choose the path of diplomacy," which he noted "is still possible."
He reiterated the message he has been sending to the Russian people lately, namely that Ukrainians will put up "bloody resistance", calling on the parents and mothers of Russian soldiers to consider this.
Rejecting claims that Britain and the US were exaggerating the scale of the threat, he said security intelligence indicated a "clear and present danger" and an imminent Russian invasion.
President Zelensky said his interlocutor assured him of British support for the integrity of his country and expressed gratitude for, among other things, London's readiness to impose broader sanctions against Russian interests in the event of an invasion, and for the delivery of British defensive anti-tank weapons to the Ukrainian army.
He stressed that his compatriots "will fight to the end" and that it will be a "European war", not just a conflict between Ukraine and Russia.
Moreover, as announced by Downing Street, Mr. Johnson will finally have a telephone conversation with President Putin on Wednesday.[/B] The call scheduled for Monday did not take place because the British Prime Minister was defending himself and the government against Sue Gray's critical report on 'partygate'
Meanwhile, it was reported, at the British cabinet meeting in London this morning, shortly before Boris Johnson left for Kiev, the head of the UK armed forces, Admiral Sir Tony Radakin, gave a briefing on the military situation on the Russian-Ukrainian border.
He said "a significant proportion of Russia's ground combat power is now concentrated on the western border, in parallel with an intimidation operation such as military exercises on a scale we have never seen before."
He added that Russian actions "fit a pattern of coercion and intimidation that seeks to undermine Western values and principles."
According to the Prime Minister's Office, Sir Tony briefed ministers on the potential impact on Britain of a Russian invasion of Ukraine, but also on the measures being taken to mitigate the risk and encourage Moscow to seek a diplomatic resolution to the tension.
Prime Minister Johnson told his ministers that the situation was "deeply worrying" and that there were no signs of a de-escalation on Russia's part.
Source: CNA
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