UK and France agree Nato must ‘unite against Russian aggression’

The UK and its Nato allies will be united in their fight against Russian aggression "wherever and however it might occur", Boris Johnson has agreed with Emmanuel Macron.

During a phone call on Saturday the prime minister and the French president discussed the worrying development of the Ukraine crisis.

Johnson updated Macron on his visit to Kyiv this week, where he met the Ukrainian president, Volodymyr Zelensky. During his visit, Johnson said there was intelligence suggesting the threat of "an imminent military campaign" by Russia was "a clear and present danger".

A No 10 spokesperson said of Johnson's call with Macron: "They agreed that finding a diplomatic solution to the current tensions must remain the overriding priority.

"The prime minister and president Macron stressed that Nato must be united in the face of Russian aggression. They agreed to continue to work together to develop a package of sanctions which would come into force immediately should Russia further invade Ukraine.

"The leaders discussed their work to strengthen Nato's Eastern flank, ensuring that allies are fully defended against malicious Russian activity, wherever and however it might occur."

European leaders are due to travel to both Moscow and Kyiv in a bid to calm tensions.