Liz Truss warns Russia of sanctions during tense Ukraine talks

Foreign secretary issues warning as Sergei Lavrov describes UK's contribution to talks as just slogans'

The British foreign secretary, Liz Truss, has personally warned Moscow of tough sanctions that are to be imposed if Russia attacks Ukraine, during tense talks that Russia's top diplomat said were like a conversation of the mute with the deaf".

The British sanctions package remained under government review on Thursday, somewhat undermining Truss's threat as she led a British diplomatic effort to head off a potential Russian offensive in Ukraine.