The UK government is warning the threat of a Russian invasion of Ukraine is “real” but says it is unlikely British soldiers will be deployed to fight

The United Kingdom is now focused on sending weapons to Ukraine.. whilst also strengthening possible sanctions that could be imposed on Russia.

Foreign Secretary Liz Truss says an invasion of Ukraine will be “terrible for Europe” with Britain and its allies doing everything they can too deescalate.

The Foreign Office is expected to announce a range of harsher sanctions in the coming days.

Economic sanctions imposed by the UK are likely to target Russian financial institutions, energy companies, and other key sectors.

This comes as defence and foreign secretaries from NATO nations prepare to meet their counterparts in Moscow in an attempt to reduce tensions, while UK PM Boris Johnson will call Russian President, Vladimir Putin.

The PM is also scheduled to travel to Eastern Europe, adding the UK will not tolerate Russian “destabilising activity”.