Ben Wallace says he has 'listened to assurances' from Russia that they will not invade Ukraine

Defence Secretary Ben Wallace has said that he has received assurances from Russia that they will not invade Ukraine.

Ben Wallace spoke in a press conference after holding talks with Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoiku and Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces, Valery Gerasimov.

Wallace said it was a "frank discussion" that covered a "range of issues" regarding the ongoing tensions in Ukraine.

He continued: "I was clear about the tragic consequences that any invasion of Ukraine could have, for all people, both for Ukraine and Russia.

"We listened to the assurances given by Minister Shoiki and General Gerasimov that they would not invade Ukraine.

"We urged dialogue as a way through to address any concerns the Russian government may have".

Ben Wallace stressed the importance of allowing Ukraine to "choose its future and its alliances".

He added: "That right of choice has been underpinned by numerous treaties and declarations., signed by both Russian governments and Western governments, over many years, as far back as the 1970s".