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United Kingdom

Britain considering major NATO deployment amid Ukraine crisis

Prime Minister Boris Johnson will be speaking to Vladimir Putin by phone

By Alistair Smout Reuters
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The latest on Russia and Ukraine

Fox News senior foreign affairs correspondent Greg Palkot reports on increasing Russia-Ukraine frictions on 'Special Report.'

Britain is considering making a major NATO deployment as part of a plan to strengthen Europe's borders in response to Russia massing troops on the border with Ukraine, the government said on Saturday.

Britain has said that any Russian incursion into Ukraine would be met with swift sanctions and would be devastating for both sides.

UKRAINE PREPARING BOMB SHELTERS AS RUSSIAN THREAT CONTINUES TO GROW

Prime Minister Boris Johnson is due to visit the region next week, and also will speak to Vladimir Putin by phone.

British troops arrive to Hoek van Holland to travel by land to Norway, as part of the NATO's military excercise, in Hoek van Holland, Netherlands October 10, 2018. 

British troops arrive to Hoek van Holland to travel by land to Norway, as part of the NATO's military excercise, in Hoek van Holland, Netherlands October 10, 2018.  (Reuters/Piroschka van de Wouw)

Johnson is considering the biggest possible offer to members of the NATO defence pact in the Nordics and Baltics, which would double troop numbers and send defensive weapons to Estonia, his office said.

"This package would send a clear message to the Kremlin – we will not tolerate their destabilising activity, and we will always stand with our NATO allies in the face of Russian hostility," Johnson said in a statement.

"I have ordered our Armed Forces to prepare to deploy across Europe next week, ensuring we are able to support our NATO allies."

RUSSIA MOVES BLOOD SUPPLIES NEAR UKRAINE BORDER

Officials will finalise the details of the offer in Brussels next week, with ministers discussing the military options on Monday.

Stepping up diplomatic efforts after facing criticism for not doing enough, Johnson will make a second trip to meet NATO counterparts early next month, his office said.

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Britain's foreign and defence ministers will also both go to Moscow for talks with their Russian counterparts in coming days, with the aim of improving relations and de-escalating tensions.