Johnson warns Putin: Further invasion of Ukraine will be 'tragic miscalculation'

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has expressed deep concern about Russia's hostile activity on the Ukrainian border, in a call with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

That's according to the BBC, Ukrinform reports.

Johnson told Putin any further incursion by troops on the border would be "a tragic miscalculation" by Russia. He also emphasized the need to respect Ukraine's territorial integrity.

Both leaders agreed "that aggravation was in no-one's interest," a Downing Street spokesperson said.

According to the BBC, the Kremlin said, in turn, the two leaders had "a detailed exchange" in which Putin reiterated NATO's "unwillingness" to address Russia's concerns.

The pair cited issues such as climate change, the situation in Afghanistan and the Iran nuclear deal where Russia and the UK benefitted from open channels of communication.

They agreed to apply this "spirit of dialogue" to the current situation in Ukraine "in order to find a peaceful resolution."

Johnson visited Kyiv on February 1. Following his talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, both leaders issued a joint statement.

Photo: Andrew Parsons / No. 10 Downing Street

op