Vladimir Putin must not be allowed to repeat the annexation of Crimea in other parts of Ukraine, Boris Johnson has told world leaders.
The Prime Minister said allies should continue to support Ukraine until Russian forces withdrew from the “entirety” of its territory.
Crimea was annexed by Russia in 2014 and Mr Johnson warned that Mr Putin would seek to repeat the process in other parts of Ukraine following the invasion by Moscow’s forces six months ago.
“Putin is planning to do to other parts of Ukraine – indeed all of Ukraine – what he has done to Crimea,” Mr Johnson warned.
“He is preparing more annexations and more sham referendums.”
Mr Johnson said Russia’s annexation of Crimea “or any other Ukrainian territory” must never be recognised.
Mr Johnson has formed a close bond with Mr Zelensky and is keen to reassure the Ukrainian administration that the UK’s support will continue when he leaves No 10 in September.
His address to the Crimea Platform conference came on the eve of Ukraine’s independence day.
The importance of the day has led to concerns that Russia might step up military action, with the United States issuing a security alert about the prospect of strikes against Ukraine’s “civilian infrastructure and government facilities in the coming days”.
