Liz Truss clashes with Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov over Ukraine

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Liz Truss channeled the Iron Lady again today as she faced off with Russian counterpart Serge Lavrov in Moscow.

The Foreign Secretary delivered a tough message that the Kremlin must to ‘stop the Cold War rhetoric’ and step back from a ‘disastrous’ invasion of Ukraine during tense talks. 

She warned that Kiev must not be ‘bullied’, demanding Russia backs up its claims about having ‘no plans’ to breach its neighbour’s border with ‘actions’.

But in the discussions and a joint press conference Mr Lavrov launched a series of barbs, dismissing ‘ultimatums and moralising’ from the West and comparing their conversation to a ‘deaf and a mute’.

‘Ideological approaches, ultimatums and moralizing is a road to nowhere,’ the notorious political bruiser said. 

Ms Truss observed that she had definitely not been mute in their discussions, and urged a ‘diplomatic’ solution.  

The brutal exchanges came as Boris Johnson embarked on his own trip to Nato HQ in Brussels and then Poland, warning that Europe faces the ‘most dangerous moment for decades’ and the ‘stakes are very high’. 

The Foreign Secretary arrived in Russia last night, donning a furry hat in the sub-zero temperatures that immediately evoked comparisons with Margaret Thatcher.  

And after another 1,000 British troops were put on standby to fly to the troubled region, Ms Truss told Mr Lavrov: ‘The reality is we cannot ignore the build-up of over 100,000 troops on the Ukrainian border and the attempts to undermine Ukrainian sovereignty and territorial integrity.

‘Fundamentally, a war in Ukraine would be disastrous for the Russian and Ukrainian people, and for European security. 

And, together, Nato has made it clear that any incursion into Ukraine would have massive consequences and carry severe costs.’

At a press conference with Mr Lavrov after their talks, Ms Truss said the ‘future peace and stability’ of Europe was at stake.

‘There is still time for Russia to end its aggression towards Ukraine and pursue the path of diplomacy,’ she said.

‘But Nato is very clear that if that path is not chosen there will be severe consequences for Russia, Ukraine and the whole of Europe.’ 

Mr Lavrov said Moscow was in favour of diplomacy to resolve the crisis, but said he could not understand British concerns over the drills in Belarus and denied Russia was coercing anyone.

‘I’m honestly disappointed that what we have is a conversation between a dumb and a deaf person. It’s as if we listen but we don’t hear,’ Lavrov said.

At a joint press conference with Nato general secretary Jens Stoltenberg in Brussels, Mr Johnson said he did not believe Vladimir Putin had made a final decision on whether to send troops over the border.

But Mr Johnson admitted the signs were not good, insisting that Mr Putin will face a strong response if he does go ahead.

Arguing that the next few days will be crucial, Mr Johnson – who will visit Poland later – said: ‘The stakes are very high. And this is a very dangerous moment… 

‘I honestly don’t think a decision has yet been taken but that doesn’t mean that it’s impossible that something absolutely disastrous could happen very soon indeed.

‘Our intelligence, I’m afraid to say, remains grim. We’re seeing the massing of huge numbers of tactical battalion groups on the border with Ukraine.

‘This is probably the most dangerous moment in the course of the next few days in what is the biggest security crisis Europe has faced for decades.’

He added: ‘This is the moment now to think of another way forward.’ 

Mr Stoltenberg said he has written to Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov to offer more talks.

‘We are prepared to listen to Russia’s concerns and ready to discuss ways to uphold and strengthen the fundamental principles of European security that we all have signed up to,’ he said.

‘Nato will not compromise on core principles – the right of each nation to choose its own path and Nato’s ability to protect and defend all allies.’

Labour leader Keir Starmer is also in the Belgian capital, stressing that he is fully behind the government’s response to Mr Putin‘s military mobilisation. 

The diplomatic blitz comes as a poll for MailOnline found strong backing for sanctions if Mr Putin invades. Some 49 per cent said they would support a national boycott of Russian goods and services, with just 14 per cent opposed.

However, the public appears split over the idea of deploying troops and supplying weapons.     

Western leaders fear a build-up of 130,000 Russian troops on the Ukrainian border is the prelude to an invasion.

Six Russian landing ships filled with tanks and troops yesterday assembled in the Black Sea to back up the land forces, heightening concerns.

Moscow’s forces are also beginning joint military exercises with ally Belarus.  

The shuttle diplomacy comes amid fears French president Emmanuel Macron is pushing for a ‘compromise’ with Moscow that would see Ukraine forced to loosen its ties with the West. 

Another 1,000 British troops will be ‘put at readiness’ for deployment to the region in the event that Russia invades. 

A source said the troops would ‘support a humanitarian response in the region, should it be needed’.

It is understood they would be asked to help secure the borders of Ukraine’s neighbours and build refugee camps in countries such as Poland and Lithuania with fears more than a million Ukrainians could flee any conflict.