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Western nations are expected to announce coordinated sanctions
after earlier this week imposing a limited initial package that
was criticised by some as a weak response to Russia's
recognition of two breakaway regions in Ukraine.
"Today, in concert with our allies, we will agree a massive
package of economic sanctions designed in time to hobble the
Russian economy," Johnson said in a televised address to the
nation.
He said the West must end its reliance on Russian oil and gas
which had given Russian President Vladimir Putin a grip over
Western politics.
"Our mission is clear: diplomatically, politically,
economically, and eventually military, this hideous and barbaric
venture of Vladimir Putin must end in failure."
In earlier comments on Twitter, the British leader called the
invasion a "catastrophe" for Europe, and said he would talk to
other G7 group of rich nations.
"I will also speak to fellow G7 leaders and I am calling for an
urgent meeting of all NATO leaders as soon as possible," he
said.
Foreign minister Liz Truss said she had summoned the Russian
ambassador to explain Moscow's actions in Ukraine.
Britain, like the United States and European Union, had
threatened to impose tougher sanctions on Russia if it invaded
Ukraine, a move Russian President Vladimir Putin had earlier
said Moscow would never do.
On Wednesday, Johnson told finance chiefs he wanted to impose
the "toughest possible next tranche" of sanctions on Russia, an
action he described as being able to "make a difference and
change the outcome".
In his address on Thursday, he told Russians he did not believe
the invasion was being carried out in their name, while he vowed
to support Ukraine until the flame of freedom "burns bright
again".
"I don't believe that the Russian dictator will ever subdue the
national feeling of the Ukrainians and their passionate belief
that their country should be free," he said.
"I say to the British people, and all who have heard the threats
from Putin against those who stand with Ukraine: We will of
course, do everything to keep our country safe."
(Reporting by Kylie MacLellan, Elizabeth Piper and William
James; writing by Michael Holden; editing by Guy Faulconbridge)
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