Boris Johnson is making opening remarks on camera alongside the Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki after arriving in Warsaw this morning.
He said: “The tragedy that we predicted has come to pass, and if anything it is worse than our predictions. We are seeing an unfolding disaster in our European continent.”
Mr Johnson hailed the Polish people for their “inspirational” effort in coping with the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Ukraine. We have been hearing this morning that 350,000 Ukrainians have fled to the country so far.
“We in the UK stand ready to help you, we have humanitarian supplies as you know already coming in, I think two planes of medical supplies have already landed and there’s more to come.”
On how he sees the invasion unfolding, Mr Johnson said: “It is clear that Vladimir Putin is prepared to use barbaric and indiscriminate tactics against innocent civilians, to bomb tower blocks, to send missiles into tower blocks, to kill children as we are seeing in increasing numbers.
“He has fatally underestimated two things. The first is the passionate desire of the Ukrainian people to defend and protect their own country.
“May I pay tribute to the leadership and courage that is being shown by Volodymyr Zelenskyy. I think he has inspired and mobilised not only his own people but the world in outrage of what has happened.”
Mr Johnson added: “One day or another I am absolutely convinced, I am more convinced than ever as this hideous conflict continues, that Putin will fail.”