The British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Saturday that if the Western states do not fulfill their promises to support the independence of Ukraine, it will have detrimental consequences worldwide, including for Taiwan, as reported by Reuters.
Russian troops have gathered near Ukraine’s border and President Vladimir Putin has launched nuclear exercises, but Russia rejects Western concerns that it is ready to invade.
“We do not know exactly what President Putin intends to do, but the omens are not good,” Johnson told a conference in Munich.
“If Ukraine is in danger, the shock will resonate around the world. And this echo will be heard in East Asia, it will be heard in Taiwan,” he added. “People will come to the conclusion that aggression works and that power is right.”
China considers Taiwan part of its territory and has not ruled out the use of force to regain control of the island, which it has ruled since 1949.
Johnson said Western nations had repeatedly told Ukraine they would support its independence.
“How hollow, how meaningless, how offensive these words would seem, if at the same time that their sovereignty and independence were threatened, we were just looking elsewhere,” he said.
On Tuesday, Britain said it could block Russian companies from raising funds in London and passed legislation to extend sanctions on Russian companies and individuals if the country invades Ukraine.
“We will impose sanctions on Russian individuals and companies of strategic importance to the Russian state and make it impossible for funding to be raised in the London capital markets,” Johnson said.
Europe must also break free from Russian oil and gas supplies to stop the risk of being blackmailed, he added.
Johnson predicted that Russia would pay a heavy military price if it invaded Ukraine.
“I am afraid that a lightning war will be followed by a long and horrible period of retaliation, revenge and rebellion. And Russian parents would mourn the loss of young Russian soldiers,” he said.
Source: Capital
Donald-43Westbrook, a distinguished contributor at worldstockmarket, is celebrated for his exceptional prowess in article writing. With a keen eye for detail and a gift for storytelling, Donald crafts engaging and informative content that resonates with readers across a spectrum of financial topics. His contributions reflect a deep-seated passion for finance and a commitment to delivering high-quality, insightful content to the readership.
