Around 130,000 Russian troops have gathered on the Ukrainian border
Russia’s defence ministry says some troops positioned on the border with Ukraine are returning to their bases after completing drills.
“Units of the Southern and Western military districts, having completed their tasks, have already begun loading onto rail and road transport and today they will begin moving to their military garrisons,” a defence ministry spokesman said.
But Foreign Secretary Liz Truss said that the government still believes an invasion of Ukraine is “very likely.”
She told BBC Breakfast on Tuesday morning: “We know the Russians are highly prepared, they have the troops surrounding Ukraine and they could do it in very short order.
“But it isn’t certain and there is still time for diplomacy. There’s still time for Russia to step back from the brink.”
She added that an invasion “could be immediate” and that “we know the Russians are ready to invade.”
Related links:
- Ukraine invasion: Boris Johnson claims Russia could strike within ‘next 48 hours’
- Bombs will drop on Ukraine ‘minutes after Putin gives order’ says minister
- Russia could invade Ukraine ‘on Wednesday’ in ‘our Cuban Missile Crisis moment’
