UK warns of possibility of Russia becoming 'lonely nation'

(Baonghean.vn) - British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson warned on October 11 that Russia risks becoming a “lonely state” if it continues to bomb civilian targets in Syria. He also called on protesters to march outside the Russian Embassy to protest the war crimes that Moscow is accused of.

British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson warned Russia and called for increased sanctions against Moscow and the current regime in Syria. Photo: Reuters.

Western nations on the United Nations Security Council are considering tougher measures against Russia, as attacks by the Russian-backed Syrian government on rebel-held areas of Aleppo intensify.

“If Russia continues with its strategy in Syria, I think it risks becoming a lonely country,” British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson told parliament, calling on anti-war protesters to march outside the Russian embassy.

“I would love to see protests outside the Russian embassy,” Boris said, appealing to anti-war groups such as the “Stop the War” coalition, which is backed by Jeremy Corbyn, leader of Britain’s main opposition Labour Party.

Russian aircraft resumed heavy bombing of rebel groups in eastern Aleppo on October 11 after days of relative calm, an official said.

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad is trying to fully retake Aleppo, Syria's largest city, which has been divided between government and opposition control for a long time.

Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson said Western countries needed to put more pressure on Russia, which is helping the Syrian government gain the upper hand in the fight against Islamist rebel groups.

Mr Boris also blamed Russia for an attack on an aid convoy in Syria last month.

“We have to make sure that we have more effective ways to increase aid to Aleppo. As some members have said, we have to increase the pressure on the Assad regime and on Russia through tough sanctions,” Mr. Boris said.

Phuong Hoa

(According to Reuters)