'Nato Will Be In Russia's Sights..'

Shapps: Why we cannot allow Putin to triumph in Ukraine

- Martyn Brown

NATO allies will be in Vladimir Putin's sights if Russia is victorious in Ukraine, Grant Shapps warned.

The Defence Secretary said the nightmare scenario might encourage China - risking global security.

Mr Shapps urged the West to ramp up efforts to expel Kremlin invaders from Ukraine, saying: "There's no world in which Putin can be allowed to win.

"Not only would it embolden him, putting our other Eastern European allies in Russia's crosshairs, but it would also signal to China that everything is up for grabs. There can be no wavering. No fence sitting.

"Putin believes the West can be worn down. He believes we lack strategic patience. And we must prove him wrong." Mr Shapps' rallying cry, in an article for the Politico website, marks the start of a hugely significant political year. Nearly half of the world's population heads to the polls in 2024 - national elections include ones being held in the UK, US and India.

Mr Shapps added: "Ukraine's future is in the West's hands. We cannot let them down."