'Ramp up' military production to help Ukraine, urges UK foreign minister

Ukraine's fate is hanging in the balance and its allies must brace for the long haul and "ramp up" military production including tanks and planes to help, Britain's foreign minister said on Wednesday.

Foreign Secretary Liz Truss also warned that China must play by international rules or be punished and that it was vital to send the right message to "aggressors" watching closely the response to Russia's invasion.

"We cannot be complacent -- the fate of Ukraine remains in the balance," she told diplomats and business leaders in London, deploring the "failure" of global security structures that should have prevented the war.

A victory for Russian President Vladimir Putin would have "terrible consequences across the globe", and more, heavier, weapons should be sent to Ukraine despite the risk of escalating the conflict.

"We must be prepared for the long haul and double down on our support for Ukraine. 

"Heavy weapons, tanks, aeroplanes -- digging deep into our inventories, ramping up production. We need to do all of this.

"Inaction would be the greatest provocation."

Truss's comments at Mansion House in the City of London financial district echo those of Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who last week said the conflict could last until the end of next year.

On Monday, Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said Britain would provide Ukraine with armoured vehicles capable of firing missiles against invading Russian aircraft.