Vladimir Putin last night denied Russia planned to seize territory from Ukraine and accused Britain and its allies of ‘demonising’ his country.
Mr Putin was reacting to G7 ministers’ warning that Russia faces ‘massive con – sequences’ if it invades its neighbour.
The Russian president’s official spokesman, Dmitry Peskov, said the accusations by Britain and its allies were ‘once more being made with the aim of further demonising Russia’.
US intelligence officials believe that up to 175,000 Russian troops might launch an attack in early next year. With troops, tanks, artillery and troops already gathering at the Ukrainian border, they could be as high as 175,000.
Russian President Vladimir Putin denied that Russia intends to attack Ukraine. US intelligence has claimed 175,000 Russian soldiers could be used as a weapon in an attack.
Foreign Secretary Liz Truss, speaking as the host of a G7 meeting in Liverpool, said: ‘We have sent a very clear, united message to Vladimir Putin.
‘We want Russia to stop its aggression with respect to Ukraine.’
She said the group of seven countries was ‘considering all options’ when it came to imposing economic sanctions.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken told the broadcaster NBC News: ‘We are prepared to take the kinds of steps we have refrained from taking in the past.’
A joint statement by foreign ministers from the seven global powers said: ‘Russia should be in no doubt that further military aggression against Ukraine would have massive consequences.’