EVIL Vladimir Putin is “doubling down” his “murderous attacks” against innocent Ukrainians, Boris Johnson blasted today as he vowed to hit back hard.
The PM warned the Kremlin tyrant that “nothing is off the table” when it comes to swingeing British sanctions in response to Russia’s barbaric invasion.
Harrowing footage of desperate families being shelled – and killed – as they fled their homes has stiffened Western resolve to punish Putin further.
On a visit to an RAF base Mr Johnson said: “The unity of the West has been very, very strong during this period, and it’s been something that I don’t think Putin bargained for.
“But now that he is going for this really unrestrained attack on cities, now that he’s attacking civilians in the way that he is, I think we’ve got to recognise that we’ve got to do more on sanctions.”
The PM will tonight ram the Economic Crime Bill through the Commons to make it easier for Britain to sanction Kremlin cronies faster.
Despite imposing the most crippling punishment package in history, critics accuse the PM of lagging far behind the EU and United States.
Read our Russia – Ukraine live blog for the very latest updates
Kneecapping Putin’s murderous regime with economic sanctions is one pillar of the PM’s six-point masterplan for Western allies to bear down on Russia.
He held meetings with Canadian PM Justin Trudeau and Dutch PM Mark Rutte today and will speak with President Joe Biden later.
Mr Johnson is also under pressure to take in more refugees after the Home Office admitted just 50 have so far been given sanctuary.
The PM denied the number was so low but refused to put a figure on it.
Home Secretary Priti Patel exclusively told HOAR last night she is creating a brand new route to give refugees safe haven in the UK.
Currently only Ukrainians with existing family or ties to the UK can be fast-tracked.
A scheme for Brits or charities to sponsor those with no links is being set up but the rest have to join the standard queue for all asylum seekers.
But the PM refused to confirm a more generous third passage for Ukrainians with no UK links was being considered.
He said “we have two very, very generous routes already” but that “as the situation in the Ukraine deteriorates people are going to want to see this country open our arms”.
He was quick to add that he will not compromise on border checks by “abandoning controls altogether”.
Ms Patel had told HOAR: “In response to the desperation I saw with my own eyes at the Polish border two days ago, I’m urgently escalating our response to the growing humanitarian crisis.
“I am now investigating the legal options to create a humanitarian route.
“This means anyone without ties to the UK fleeing the conflict in Ukraine will have a right to come to this nation.”
