Boris Johnson has said if Ukraine is invaded by Russia it could bring about “the destruction of a democratic state” and “the shock will echo around the world”.

The prime minister added that intelligence shows a conflict between Moscow and Kyiv looks “increasingly likely”, as he vowed to block money linked to the Kremlin from being laundered through London.

Speaking at a security conference in Munich, Germany, he said: “If Ukraine is invaded and if Ukraine is overwhelmed, we will witness the destruction of a democratic state, a country that has been free for a generation, with a proud history of elections.

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“And every time Western ministers have visited Kyiv, we have reassured the people of Ukraine and their leaders that we stand four-square behind their sovereignty and independence.

“How hollow, how meaningless, how insulting those words would seem if at the very moment when their sovereignty and independence is imperiled, we simply look away,” he added.

“If Ukraine is invaded, the shock will echo around the world, and those echoes will be heard in East Asia, they will be heard in Taiwan.”

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In some of his starkest words yet, Boris Johnson went on to urge the Kremlin to de-escalate and disengage its forces, adding: “We’re now staring at a generation of bloodshed and misery.”

The PM, who visited Kyiv just a fortnight ago, said this is the “eleventh hour of averting disaster and ensuring good sense can still prevail.”

His message comes after US President Joe Biden said Washington had reason to believe Russian forces “intend to attack” Ukraine in the coming days.

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‘Moment of extreme danger’

Mr Johnson went on to speak about Ukraine tensions, saying the “omens are grim” from Russia and countries “should not underestimate the gravity of this moment”.

“The risk now is people will draw the conclusion that aggression pays and that might is right so we should not underestimate the gravity of this moment and what is at stake,” he told the summit.

“As I speak to you today, we do not fully know what President Putin intends, but the omens are grim and that is why we must stand strong together.”

He added that this is a “moment of extreme danger for the world” and it has “seldom been more vital to preserve our unity and resolve”.

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The PM also warned Russia that the UK will “sanction Russian individuals and companies of strategic importance to the Russian state” if it invades Ukraine.

“We will make it impossible for them to raise finance on the London capital markets,” he added.

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However, the prime minister admitted that sanctions “may not be enough to deter Russian aggression”.

As well as his threat of sanctions, Boris Johnson said the UK and its allies are already “strengthening” its defences of the eastern flank of NATO.

He detailed how Britain is doubling its presence in Estonia, while also placing troops on standby to deal with any humanitarian crisis.

“This crisis extends into every domain,” the prime minister said.

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