An incursion by Russia into Ukraine would violate the “most basic freedoms and sovereignty”, the defence secretary has said following a visit to Scandinavia.
Issuing a second warning in a week to Moscow, Ben Wallace said there would be “consequences” for any Russian aggression towards Ukraine. On Monday, he fired a shot across the bows, telling an event in London that Britain would “stand up to bullies”, no matter how far away the conflict.
Tensions on the Ukrainian border continue to be fraught, with the US suggesting Moscow is preparing for a “false-flag operation” in order to spark an incursion into neighbouring territory.
The new US intelligence was unveiled after little progress was made in talks between the Kremlin and Washington and its western allies aimed at heading off the escalating crisis.
The foreign secretary, Liz Truss, appearing to back up the US intelligence, accused Russia of “waging a disinformation campaign intended to destabilise and justify an invasion” of Ukraine, and called on President Vladimir Putin to “de-escalate” the military presence.
Wallace met Nordic partners this week, including Finland, which shares a border with Russia.
The Ministry of Defence said he met ministers in Sweden, Finland and Norway to discuss Russia’s continued aggression and military build-up on Ukraine’s border, with about 100,000 troops amassed at the divide.
The defence secretary said: “The UK and our Nordic partners are united in our approach to upholding European security. My discussions this week have been directly about deepening bilateral relations, shared security and the consequences of Russian aggression towards Ukraine.
“Our discussions were clear that a Russian invasion of Ukraine would be a strategic mistake, violating the most basic freedoms and sovereignty. Britain and the Nordic countries have a long and shared history.
“Our European neighbours and allies remain vital partners as we work together to defend our common values, counter shared threats and build resilience in our neighbourhood. The UK will always stand with them.”
Labour said the threats facing Ukraine must be met with “strength and resolve” by Nato and Europe, after the shadow defence secretary, John Healey, visited the country this week.
“The western allies must work hard to maintain their deterrent pressure on Russia and stand by Ukraine,” said Healey.
The MoD said Wallace met his Swedish counterpart, Peter Hultqvist, before travelling to Finland to hold discussions with president Sauli Niinistö, the foreign minister, Pekka Haavisto, and the defence minister, Antti Kaikkonen.
During the third leg of his trip, the defence secretary met his Norwegian counterpart, Odd Roger Enoksen.
