Wallace: I'm not hopeful invasion can be stopped

Defence Sec in Putin warning

- PIPPA CRERAR

DEFENCE Secretary Ben Wallace yesterday warned Russia appears intent on invading Ukraine.

He spoke out as more than 100,000 of Vladimir Putin's troops lay in wait on the border, heightening fears of an attack.

Mr Wallace said there was still a slim chance an invasion could be stopped.

But he admitted: “I'm not optimistic.” The former Army officer, who was at talks in Germany, confirmed he would soon meet Russian defence minister Sergei Shoigu in Moscow.

Britain could deploy hundreds of troops to Eastern Europe to help bolster NATO's military presence in the region.

The White House has rejected a demand by Russia for a veto on Ukraine's membership of the alliance.