Russia – Ukraine news LIVE: Putin could launch MASSIVE cyber-attack on UK at any time, Priti Patel warns; latest maps

RUSSIA could launch a massive cyber attack on Britain at any time, Priti Patel has warned. The Home Secretary said “red lights” have been flashing over a Putin-ordered attack for some time but that new UK sanctions on Kremlin-linked individuals and banks could see that threat grow. “Look at Salisbury, look at the cyberattacks”, she said, adding, “just look at attempts to interfere in our democracy“. “The risk is alive. And on that basis, we are absolutely stepping up everything that we need to domestically,” the Home Secretary added. The BBC reported that no new specific threats to the UK have been identified as a result of the Ukraine crisis, but the National Cyber Security Centre urged businesses to check their cybersecurity is up to date. The Home Secretary’s words come as a state of emergency was declared in Ukraine amid fears Russia will invade within 24 hours. The country’s security council this morning approved plans for emergency measures to be enacted in all areas across the country, except the separatist regions of Donetsk and Luhansk. The state of emergency will last an initial 30 days, with the option to extend for an additional 30 if need be. This morning UK Defence Secretary Ben Wallace gave a scathing assessment of Putin’s behaviour. “Unfortunately we’ve got a busy adversary now in Putin, who has gone full tonto. The Scots Guards kicked the backside of Tsar Nicholas I in 1853 in Crimea – we can always do it again,” he said. Read our Russia – Ukraine live blog for the latest news…