The minister for the Armed Forces sat down with Eamon Holmes on GB News to discuss the growing threat of Russian forces on Ukraine. Mr Heappey explained that European countries should continue to avoid a conflict with Russia. Tensions between Russia and Ukraine have been heightened for the past year after Russia massed troops near Ukraine’s border. He predicted that a war with Russia could be “the most bloody war that we have seen in generations”.
Mr Heappey said: “We here in the MOD are great friends with the Ukrainians.
“I’m sorry if I’m running over time, my real concern is that Putin is told by his inner circle that somehow the Russians are going to be welcomed into Ukraine.
“And that this can all be quick, and bloodless.
“It won’t be, I was in Kyiv last week and there is a steely determination in the eyes of every Ukrainian that I met.
JUST IN:WATCH: Rishi Sunak storms out of Sky interview when grilled on Boris ‘swift exit!’
Mr Heappey added: “Both in their Ministry of Defence and in their military headquarters.
“What we stand on the brink of is an incredibly bloody war in which tens of thousands of people will die.
“And that is why everybody in the West needs to be focused on a dialogue with Russia.
“That de-escalates where we must be clear with Russia, what the penalties will be.
READ MORE:Downing Street garden map: Inside the controversial parties in No 10’s now infamous garden
Mr Heappey added: “Both militarily from Ukraine and in terms of sanctions.
“And the opprobrium of the international community, and at this eleventh hour we need to avoid what could be the most bloody war that we have seen in generations.”
Politician Ben Wallace announced that the UK will provide help to Ukrainian soldiers with a new security assistance package.
Mr Wallace said: “In light of the increasingly threatening behaviour from Russia and in addition to our current support, the UK is providing a new security assistance package to increase Ukraine’s defensive capabilities.
DON’T MISS:
Mr Wallace added: “We have taken the decision to supply Ukraine with light anti-armour defensive weapons systems.
“A small number of UK personnel will provide early-stage training for a short period of time, within the framework of Operation Orbital, before returning to the United Kingdom.
“Ukraine has every right to defend its borders and this new package of aid further enhances its ability to do so.
“Let me be clear: this support is for short-range and clearly defensive weapon capabilities; they are not strategic weapons and pose no threat to Russia; they are to use in self-defence.”