UK foreign secretary flies to Moscow to urge de-escalation

By Karim El-Bar

LONDON (AA) – British Foreign Secretary Liz Truss on Wednesday flew to Moscow to meet her Russian counterpart and urge Russia to de-escalate its approach towards Ukraine.

In a statement, Truss said: “The UK is determined to stand up for freedom and democracy in Ukraine. I’m visiting Moscow to urge Russia to pursue a diplomatic solution and make clear that another Russian invasion of a sovereign state would bring massive consequences for all involved.

“Russia should be in no doubt about the strength of our response. We have said many times that any further invasion would incur severe costs, including through a coordinated package of sanctions.

“Russia has a choice here. We strongly encourage them to engage, de-escalate and choose the path of diplomacy.”

Truss will also assert Ukraine’s right to self-determination, and make clear that Russia’s current strategy will damage its own standing and interests, she said.

Her visit to meet with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov is the first visit by a British foreign secretary in over four years.

Last week, the British government announced its strongest-ever sanctions regime against Russia. The new approach allowed the UK the power to sanction a much broader range of individuals and businesses linked to Russia’s strategic interests.

The claim comes amid heightened tensions over Russian troop buildups around Ukraine, with fears of an invasion.

The US and its allies have warned of an imminent attack, and threatened Russia with “severe consequences.”

Moscow, however, has denied it is preparing to invade Ukraine and said its troops are there for exercises.