Boris Johnson labels Putin a 'blood-stained aggressor who believes in imperial conquest' over Ukraine attack

Boris Johnson has launched a verbal attack towards Vladimir Putin after Russia began its attack on Ukraine.

Russia started the attack on its neighbour on Thursday morning, with blasts being heard and seen across large parts of Ukraine.

During an announcement of new sanctions on Russia to the House of Commons, Mr Johnson said: "Earlier today, President Putin gave another televised address and offered the absurd pretext that he sought the de-militarisation and de-Nazification of Ukraine.

"In fact, he is hurling the might of the military machine against a free and peaceful neighbour in breach of his own explicit pledge and every principle of civilised behaviour between states, spurning the best efforts of this country and our allies to avoid bloodshed.”

"For this, Putin will stand condemned in the eyes of the world and of history.

"He will never be able to condemn the blood for Ukraine off his hands.

"Although the UK and our allies tried every avenue for diplomacy until the final hour, I’m driven to conclude that Putin was always determined to attack his neighbour no matter what we did.

"Now we see him for what he is, a blood-stained aggressor who believes in imperial conquest."

The Prime Minister went on to say that the UK will do everything it can to offer its support to Ukraine, who he said are putting up a “fierce defence” to Russia.

"This hideous and barbarous venture of Vladimir Putin must end in failure," he added.