Johnson to have phone conversation with Putin next week

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson will visit the Ukraine region and hold crisis talks with Vladimir Putin next week amid fears of a Russian invasion, Report informs referring to The Guardian.

The British prime minister is determined to “accelerate diplomatic efforts” and “ramp up deterrence to avoid bloodshed” in the coming days, according to government sources.

The planned trip to the region comes amid rising tensions between Ukraine and Russia, which is continuing to build up its forces on its neighbor’s border.

A Downing Street spokesperson said: “The prime minister is determined to accelerate diplomatic efforts and ramp up deterrence to avoid bloodshed in Europe.

“He will reiterate the need for Russia to step back and engage diplomatically when he speaks to president Putin this week.”

Meanwhile, the Foreign Office is expected to announce tougher sanctions on January 31, meaning the UK can target Russia’s strategic and financial interests – despite reported US worries over the extent of “dirty” Russian money in London.