Russia is 'flexing muscles unnecessarily' as RAF intercepts bombers, Minister tells LBC

3 February 2022, 09:24 | Updated: 3 February 2022, 09:43

Foreign Office Minister reacts to Russian bombers flying near UK

By Asher McShane

A Government minister has told LBC that Russia is 'unnecessarily flexing its muscles' as tensions rise on the Russia-Ukraine border.

Listen to this article

Loading audio...

When asked about the Russian jets intercepted near the UK and the Russian ships in the English channel, James Cleverly told LBC's Nick Ferrari at Breakfast the country's actions were "counterproductive" and were not the right way for it to be taken seriously.

"It's really difficult for me to credibly assess what [Putin's] motivations are," said Mr Cleverly, the Minister of State for Middle East and North Africa.

"I think Russia is very keen to be seen as a powerful force on the world stage, and the point that I think he needs to understand is that actually these provocative military actions are not the best way of Russia being seen as a relevant - as a serious - player.

Read more: Boris warns Putin Ukraine invasion would be 'tragic miscalculation' as US deploys troops

Read more: 'Even children are laughing at him': Boris mocked by Russia as tensions rise over Ukraine

"There are a whole load of issues around the world where they could exert a positive influence, they are a member of the P5 in the United Nations, there's a huge amount of work that could be done for the benefit of all there.

"This military flexing of muscle is unnecessary and counterproductive and Russia could and should engage on the world stage in a much better way."

James Cleverly defends Army's 'woke day'

Russia has amassed around 100,000 troops on the Ukrainian border, adding to growing fears an invasion could be imminent.

In a call on Wednesday afternoon, Boris Johnson warned president Putin that an invasion would be a "tragic miscalculation".

The pair "agreed that aggravation was in no-one's interest" - but clashed on whether Ukraine had a right to aspire to Nato membership.

Read more: RAF jets intercept Russian 'Bear' bombers flying to UK as Boris warns Putin on Ukraine

Read more: Boris Johnson to visit Ukraine as Russian invasion fears rise

Meanwhile, US president Joe Biden is sending about 2,000 troops to Poland and Germany, while 1,000 already based in Germany will move to Romania.

Mr Biden has said he will not put American troops in Ukraine, although the US is supplying the country with weapons to defend itself.

Ukraine invasion will be 'very damaging' to Russia – ex UN Ambassador

On Wednesday the RAF intercepted four Russian 'Bear' bombers that were flying towards the UK's "area of interest".

An RAF spokesperson said: "Quick Reaction Alert Typhoon fighters based at RAF Lossiemouth supported by a Voyager from RAF Brize Norton were scrambled today against unidentified aircraft approaching the UK area of interest.

"Subsequently we intercepted and escorted four Russian Bear aircraft."

The bombers did not enter UK airspace.

More Nick Ferrari

See more More Nick Ferrari

Exclusive
The mural on the wall of the Golden Chippy

A Greenwich fish and chip shop that's causing a stink over painting, as owner tells LBC he's 'determined to keep mural up'

Rishi Sunak’s job is under threat from a plot of backbench Tory MPs who want to replace him with Penny Mordaunt before the general election.

Tories 'need to stop messing around and get behind the Prime Minister,' Business Secretary tells LBC

Exclusive
'This is trivia': Kemi Badenoch hits out at continued furore over Tory donor 'racism' row

'This is trivia': Kemi Badenoch hits out at continued furore over Tory donor 'racism' row

Government suspends tariffs on key imports to boost SMEs launching £660 million northern powerhouse fund

Government suspends tariffs on key imports to boost SMEs launching £660 million northern powerhouse fund

'Floating voters' unconvinced by Jeremy Hunt's Budget

LBC's 'Floating Voters' left unconvinced by Jeremy Hunt's Budget

Leila Khaled, who hijacked planes, will appear via video link at a fundraiser hosted by the Palestine Solidarity Campaign. Andy Street wants police to look at the event

'I'm not comfortable with it': West Mids Mayor to speak to police amid fury over Palestinian hijacker’s fundraiser

Andy Street taking calls from the public on Nick Ferrari at Breakfast

Tory MP's claim that Birmingham has 'no-go areas' was 'ridiculous', West Midlands Mayor tells LBC

Minister quizzed on tweet where he described Trump as 'cancer'

Minister Bim Afolami says tweet in which he referred to Donald Trump as 'a cancer' is appropriate

Lee Anderson

Police 'looking into hate speech complaint against Lee Anderson' after MP said Sadiq Khan was controlled by Islamists

Richard Tice said he turned down two Tories who tried to join the party

Reform UK leader Richard Tice says he rejected two Tory MPs who tried to defect in the last year

Michael Tomlinson repeatedly refused to answer Nick Ferrari's question

Nick Ferrari cuts off minister who refuses to answer his questions nine times over Lee Anderson's 'Islamophobic remarks'

Rishi Sunak is facing a revolt for sacking Lee Anderson

Lee Anderson refuses to apologise for 'Islamist' comments as he doubles down on criticism of Sadiq Khan

Rishi Sunak is facing a revolt for sacking Lee Anderson

PM denies Tories have 'Islamophobic tendencies' as minister says Lee Anderson's comments were 'profoundly wrong'

Dame Esther Rantzen has told LBC why she is campaigning to change the law on assisted dying

‘Dogs get treated better than humans’, Esther Rantzen says, as TV legend demands assisted dying law change

Rishi Sunak (l) puts on a brave face to the Tories by-election defeats on a visit to Harlow. New Kingswood MP Damien Egan (top r) and Wellingborough MP Gem Kitchen (bottom r)

Rishi Sunak begs frustrated Tories 'not to put Starmer in power' after party suffers double by-election disaster

New Labour MPs Damien Egan and Gen Kitchen

'They are not very good results': Tory chairman admits after double by-election drubbings as MPs call for tax cuts