The British Foreign Office said Saturday night it had information indicating that the Russian government wants to install a pro-Russian leader in Kiev, which is considered evidence that it is possible to plan an invasion and occupation of Ukraine.
According to a statement from the British Foreign Office, former MP Yevhen Murayev of the former pro-Russian Party of Regions is considered a possible candidate for the pro-Russian leader in Ukraine, and Russian intelligence services are also required to maintain contacts with other Ukrainian politicians.
These politicians should be, among others Serhiy Arbuzov, First Deputy Prime Minister of Ukraine in 2012-2014 and Acting Prime Minister in 2014, Andrei Kloyev, First Deputy Prime Minister in 2010-2012 and Chief of Staff of former President Viktor Yanukovych, Volodymyr Sevkovich, former Deputy Ukrainian President of the National Security and Defense Council (RNBO) and Mykola Azarov, Prime Minister of Ukraine in 2010-2014. The British Foreign Office said some of them are in contact with Russian intelligence officers who are currently involved in planning an attack on Ukraine.
The head of the Foreign Ministry said: The information released today sheds light on the scale of Russian activity
“The information disclosed today sheds light on the scope of Russian activity to overthrow the Ukrainian government and is an insight into the Kremlin’s thinking. Russia must de-escalate, stop its campaigns of aggression and disinformation, and follow the path of diplomacy. Like Britain and our partners have repeatedly said, that any incursion A Russian military in Ukraine would be a huge strategic mistake with huge costs, said Britain’s top diplomat, Liz Truss.
As stated in the Foreign Office statement, Great Britain’s position on Ukraine is clear – it unequivocally supports the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders, including Crimea.
Kremlin Yuri Kochetkov / PAP / IPA
The British Foreign Office refused to provide evidence to support the accusations that arose during the heightened tensions between Russia and the West over the gathering Russian forces near the border with Ukraine.
A foreign ministry source told Reuters that sharing intelligence was not a normal practice and that details were not declassified until after careful scrutiny.
Moragio: The British Foreign Office looks lost
Yevin Murrayev referred to the British Foreign Office statement. “It made me an evening,” Murrayev told the British Observer. “The British Foreign Office looks lost.” “This is not very logical. I am banned from entering Russia,” he said.
Main image source: Yuri Kochetkov / PAP / IPA
