Defence Minister, Ben
Wallace, has spoken on behalf of the United Kingdom, saying it is very unlikely
that either Britain or its allies would send soldiers in the event of a Russian
invasion of Ukraine. As per US intelligence, there has been a significant build-up
of Russian troops at the Ukrainian border, and analysts suggest that they could
be ready for an invasion by early next year.

While this move comes
amid Russian president, Vladimir Putin’s wrangling with NATO, over refusing to recognize Ukraine
and other former Soviet territories as its allies, Wallace had noted the
disturbing nature of the situation. He released a joint statement with Oleksii Yuriyovych Reznikov, the Ukrainian
defence minister, expressing concern at the increased military presence.

Also Read | Ukrainian villagers afraid war with Russia is coming

The statement
detailed how the United Kingdom stood by the Ukrainian people and was determined
to support them. While these platitudes came a month earlier, Wallace has now
clarified his stance saying that Ukraine is not a NATO member, so it is not likely
that any of the nations will send their troops there to challenge Russia. He
added, “We shouldn’t kid people we would. The Ukrainians are aware of that.”

Also Read | Russia’s rocky relationship with NATO alliance | Explained

Upon establishing
the classic stance of sitting on the fence without climbing over it, Wallace
was asked whether it meant that Ukraine stood alone. To this, he responded that
nations are helping with capacity building but since Ukraine is not officially
a member, other leaders are trying to diplomatically urge Putin not to go down
this road of a possible invasion.

Wallace’s statement
comes a few days after Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s telephone call with Vladimir Putin, where the former reasserted UK’s recognition and
support of Ukraine’s territorial integrity and warned how an invasion would be
a strategic mistake.

Also Read | Joe Biden to warn Putin of economic pain if he invades Ukraine

Meanwhile Kremlin
has denied any plans of an invasion and have accused the Ukrainian government
of stoking tensions in the area.