President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky, following talks with British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, said that he assured him of his readiness to cooperate on the issue of “liberation of the occupied territories.” According to him, he and Mr. Johnson discussed steps to contain Russia, and also agreed on cooperation on security in the Black Sea region. Crimea, which became part of Russia, as well as parts of the Donetsk and Lugansk regions, which proclaimed themselves independent republics, are considered temporarily occupied in Ukraine.
“We discussed a set of steps to contain the Russian Federation. Here my opinion is known: the word “containment” proves its logic. Any measures are effective before, not after. Prevention is better than resuscitation. This is also proved by the recent decision of the British government to develop a law that will strengthen and expand sanctions for aggression against Ukraine,” Zelensky said at a press conference following the meeting.
Mr. Johnson, in turn, said that sanctions would be activated “as soon as the foot of a Russian soldier decides to cross the Ukrainian border and set foot on Ukrainian territory,” but expressed confidence that the conflict can still be resolved through diplomacy.
The President of Ukraine also said at a press conference that the UK had supplied the country with “thousands” of anti-tank missiles. “In addition to funds for the Ukrainian navy, the UK is allocating almost another £2 billion for the implementation of specific mutually beneficial projects with Ukraine in other areas, in particular, infrastructure and energy,” he said.
Earlier, Russian President Vladimir Putin said that Ukrainian doctrinal documents say that Ukraine will seek the return of Crimea and can achieve this, including by military means. According to him, if Ukraine joins NATO, then Russia will have to defend its region, fighting against the entire bloc.
About how Ukraine is looking for Western help to escalate in the Donbass – in the material “Kommersant” “In an atmosphere of increased sobriety.”