The financial details of members of Vladimir Putin's inner circle could be published by ministers to expose the rampant corruption and wealth of his henchmen and allies. Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond said he was interested in the idea of publicising what is known by the government about the ruling Russian elite. Such a move would expose how those close to the President were exploiting their positions to obtain enormous wealth, and embarrass them in front of the Russian people. Asked if there was an argument for the 'interesting' financial arrangements of members of Putin's inner circle to be published by ministers, Mr Hammond replied: 'There might be'. Philip Hammond labelled Vladimir Putin as potentially the 'single greatest threat' to Britain's security . 'When we talk about having further steps that we can take, increasing the pressure on Russia, one the headings that we regularly review is strategic communication: how can we message the Russian people and to people that Russia is seeking to influence about what is really going on? 'It is an interesting thought and I will make sure the strategic communications people are thinking precisely about that.' In a speech in Westminster yesterday Mr Hammond labelled President Putin as potentially the 'single greatest threat' to Britain's security. He labelled the Russian military's stance 'increasingly aggressive' and warned of the 'rapid pace' of Russia's efforts to modernise her military in a speech to the Royal United Services Institute in London. 'We are in familiar territory for anyone over the age of about 50, with Russia's behaviour a stark reminder that it has the potential to pose the single greatest threat to our security. 'Hence, continuing to gather intelligence on Russia's capabilities and intentions will remain a vital part of intelligence effort for the foreseeable future. It is no coincidence that all of our agencies are recruiting Russian speakers again.' Mr Hammond labelled the Russian military's stance 'increasingly aggressive' and warned of the 'rapid pace' of Russia's efforts to modernise her military in a speech in London . Later Mr Hammond told the Foreign Affairs Select Committee Britain would consider arming the Ukranians if it 'crumbled' in the face of Russian aggression. 'If the Ukranian army crumbled or if there was clear evidence the Ukranian army was under sustained attack and not holding the line because of inadequacy of equipment and weapons we would certainly consider again.' 'The PM made clear we are keeping our options open but we do not think there is a military solution to this conflict.'
The rampant corruption of Vladimir Putin’s inner circle could be exposed . Philip Hammond said he could publish what the Government knows . Such a move would expose how those close to the Russian president .