The British Foreign Secretary warned that a Russian invasion of Ukraine
would lead to a terrible quagmire and loss of life as experienced in the
Soviet Union-Afghanistan war.
Speaking in Sydney, Australia, Liz Truss said Russia had not learned from
history, referring to the Soviet Union's invasion of Afghanistan. As many as
15,000 Soviet soldiers were killed and about 35,000 injured between 1979 and
1989.
"We are very clear, along with our allies in the G7, with our allies in
NATO, that if there is an attack by Russia on Ukraine, it will be at a huge
cost," Truss said. "We are ready to apply very heavy sanctions," he added as
quoted by Anadolu, Friday (21/1/2022).
Truss said President Vladimir Putin had to quit and quit Ukraine before he
made a major strategic mistake.
“They dreamed of recreating the Soviet Union, or some sort of greater
Russia, carving out a territory based on ethnicity and language. They claim
they want stability while they work to threaten and destabilize others,"
Truss said.
"We need everyone to step up. Together with our allies, we will continue to
support Ukraine and urge Russia to de-escalate. What is happening in Eastern
Europe is important to the world," he added.
Truss' comments came a day after British Prime Minister Boris Johnson warned
Russia it would be a "catastrophe" to launch an attack on Ukraine.
"If Russia carries out any attack on Ukraine of any scale, whatever I think
it will be a disaster not just for Russia, it will be a disaster for the
world," he said.
Reiterating Britain's support for Ukraine, Johnson said his country "stands
right behind Ukraine's sovereignty and integrity." NATO and the European
Union have repeatedly warned Russia against any invasion of Ukraine, which
is thought to be imminent due to Russia's military buildup across the
Ukrainian border.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei
Lavrov will meet in Geneva for critical talks on Friday.
Blinken said Thursday that any Russian attack on Ukraine would be met with a
"quick, tough and united response" from the US and its allies. Russia denies
planning the attack and has instead made security demands, including a ban
on ex-Soviet countries joining NATO to ensure peace.
