The UK will step up military aid to Ukraine as the eastern European country seeks to defend itself against a Russian invasion and regain territory, Downing Street suggested on Tuesday. It comes as Downing Street warned Russian President Vladimir Putin is “twisting the knife in the open wound of Ukraine in an attempt to force the country and its allies to capitulate.” Johnson’s office said on Tuesday that the Chief of the Defence Staff, Admiral Sir Tony Radakin, had told ministers the UK is “moving to a new phase in its support of Ukraine as the Ukrainian army sought to defend and regain its territory.” The remarks came ahead of the peace talks in Istanbul, where Russian and Ukrainian negotiators met in a bid to find sufficient common ground to end the fighting. Asked to clarify the statement, Johnson’s official spokesman said the move reflected “different asks of us as we provide further …