Boris Johnson tells Putin to 'turn his tanks around' as Ukrainian ambassador cheered by MPs

manchestereveningnews.co.uk:

Boris Johnson has demanded President Putin "turn his tanks around" as MPs cheered on the Ukrainian ambassador, who watched proceedings from the Commons public gallery.

In the first PMQs since Russia's invasion began, Mr Johnson said if President Putin continued to ignore international calls to end his war the UK would ratchet up economic sanctions and aide to Ukraine.

It came after the Prime Minister spoke to Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky to share his “disgust” at Russian attacks. Read more: Crack team of Russian fighters sent to assassinate Ukraine leader have been killed Strikes that damaged the Babi Yar Holocaust memorial in Kyiv and the central square in Kharkiv have caused revulsion, and Western allies fear it is a sign of a shift in Russian tactics towards indiscriminate targeting of urban areas.

Mr Johnson, speaking in the Commons after a minute applause for the Ukrainian ambassador, said: "Putin has gravely miscalculated; in his abhorrent assault on a sovereign nation, he has underestimated the extraordinary fortitude of the Ukrainian people and the unity and resolve of the free world in standing up to his barbarism. “The UN General Assembly will vote later today and we call on every nation to join us in condemning Russia and demanding that Putin turns his tanks around. “If instead Putin doubles down then so shall we, further ratcheting up economic pressure and supporting Ukraine with finance, with weapons and with humanitarian assistance. “Today the Disasters Emergency Committee is launching its Ukraine appeal and every pound donated by the British people will be matched by the Government, starting with £20 million.” Labour Leader Sir Keir Starmer backed the Prime Minister's comments, but pressed on