Skip to content
Politics

U.K. Officials Told to Be Ready for ‘Crisis Mode’ on Russia

  • Comes as Russia escalates tensions near Ukraine border
  • Moscow denies invasion plans but demands security guarantees
An Ukrainian soldier walks in a trench near the front line in the village of New York, formerly known as Novhorodske, Ukraine on Jan. 17.

An Ukrainian soldier walks in a trench near the front line in the village of New York, formerly known as Novhorodske, Ukraine on Jan. 17.

Photographer: Brendan Hoffman/Getty Images
Updated on

Officials at the U.K. Foreign Office have been told to be ready to move into “crisis mode” at very short notice, highlighting the increased concern that Russia’s aggression toward Ukraine could escalate into conflict, according to a person familiar with the matter.

Staff at the department were informed of the request this week, the person said. Triggering it would mean officials and diplomats are redeployed to work on Russia and Ukraine policy and to prioritize the U.K. response to any further spike in tensions, including deterrence and sanctions.