Ukraine, Britain say they are not trying to undermine or encircle Russia

Britain's Defence Secretary Ben Wallace and Ukraine's Defence Minister Oleksii Reznikov take part in a welcoming ceremony in Kyiv, Ukraine November 16, 2021. Ukrainian Defence Ministry/Handout via REUTERS

KYIV (Reuters) - The defence ministers of Ukraine and Britain on Wednesday said they were not trying to encircle or undermine Russia but were committed to Ukraine's territorial integrity.

Ukraine and NATO countries have expressed concern about Russian troop movements near Ukraine's borders. Moscow in turn accused Ukraine, the United States and allies of destabilising behaviour, including in the Black Sea.