Foreign Secretary Liz Truss warns Russia faces 'severe consequences' if they do not withdraw forces from Belarus as she lands in Moscow

Secretary and South West Norfolk MP Liz Truss posted to social media upon landing in Moscow with a stern message for Russia regarding the Ukraine crisis.

Ms Truss is pictured arriving in Russia wearing a black Ushanka style hat.

She said:"In Moscow to meet Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and make clear that Russia must immediately withdraw its forces and respect Ukraine’s sovereignty or face severe consequences.

Any incursion would be a huge mistake. Diplomacy is the only way forward and Russia must pursue that path."

It is the first visit by a British foreign secretary to the country in more than four years, following a build up of Russian troops in Belarus.

The unprecedented number of troops has caused tension in the Baltic states and British troops are now working with Estonian forces to deter any aggression.

Russia's President Vladimir Putin has reportedly said that he sees Ukrainians and Russians as "one people".

In 2014, Russia annexed Crimea, which was a largely Russian speaking part of Ukraine. Conflict between separatists and the Ukraine government in the region caused the deaths of over 14,000 people.

While Russia and Ukraine signed agreements in Minsk in 2014 and 2015 aimed at bringing forth a ceasefire, Russia's latest move has caused alarm with NATO that another invasion may take place.

Speaking ahead of her visit to Moscow, Ms Truss said: “Russia should be in no doubt about the strength of our response. We have said many times that any further invasion would incur severe costs, including through a coordinated package of sanctions. Russia has a choice here."

Defence Minister Sergey Lavrov said last week that Russia would take "necessary countermeasures" if the West "continues on its aggressive course," but Moscow has denied that it is planning to invade.