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Prime Minister Boris Johnson (at Anglesey Air Force Base on 27 January)
Photo: CARL RECINE / REUTERS
The situation in Ukraine remains tense.
Great Britain now intends to expand its military engagement in Eastern Europe.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson is considering doubling the number of British troops in the region and supplying Estonia with self-defense weapons.
This was announced by the British government.
According to official figures, more than 900 British soldiers are currently stationed in Estonia, more than 100 in Ukraine and 150 in Poland.
"This package of measures would send a clear message to the Kremlin: we will not condone their destabilizing activities and stand firm with our NATO allies in the face of Russian hostilities," Johnson said.
"If President Putin chooses the path of bloodbath and destruction, it will be a tragedy for Europe." Johnson said Ukraine must be free to choose its future.
He has therefore ordered the military to prepare to provide land, sea and air support to NATO allies in Europe.
British government discusses further sanctions and military options
The evening before, it had become known that Johnson would soon be on the phone with Putin and was planning a trip to the region.
The exact destination has not yet been named.
The British government wants to discuss military options on Monday, it was said.
Chief of Staff Tony Radakin will brief the cabinet on the situation on Tuesday.
The details of the British offer are also to be discussed with NATO in Brussels.
Johnson also wants to meet with the heads of state and government of the NATO members at the beginning of February, according to government circles.
Secretary of State Liz Truss and Secretary of Defense Ben Wallace are due to travel to Moscow soon for talks.
On Monday, the Foreign Ministry in London also plans to announce new sanctions that are intended to affect Russia's "strategic and financial interests".
US President Joe Biden announced on Friday that he intended to send additional troops to the Eastern European NATO countries in view of the impending Russian invasion.
He had previously put 8,500 soldiers on increased readiness so that they could be moved quickly if necessary.
tfb/dpa