Boris Johnson says UK will respond 'decisively' to Putin's 'bloodshed and destruction' in Ukraine

Boris Johnson said he is “appalled by the horrific events” in Ukraine and that he had spoken to its president Volodymyr Zelenskyy to discuss “next steps”.

“I am appalled by the horrific events in Ukraine and I have spoken to President Zelenskyy to discuss next steps,” the Prime Minister tweeted.

“President Putin has chosen a path of bloodshed and destruction by launching this unprovoked attack on Ukraine.

“The UK and our allies will respond decisively.”

This comes as President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen said her thoughts were with the people of Ukraine “in these dark hours” and that Russia would be held accountable for its actions.

“We strongly condemn Russia’s unjustified attack on Ukraine,” she wrote.

“In these dark hours, our thoughts are with Ukraine and the innocent women, men and children as they face this unprovoked attack and fear for their lives.

“We will hold the Kremlin accountable.”