UK PM to Urge Putin to 'Step Back' to Avoid Bloodshed

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson will speak to Russian President Vladimir Putin this week, urging him to step back from escalating tensions over Ukraine, Downing Street said Friday, reports AFP.

 Johnson "will reiterate the need for Russia to step back and engage diplomatically when he speaks to President Putin this week," a Downing Street spokeswoman said, stressing the prime minister's determination to "avoid bloodshed in Europe".