UK accuses Kremlin of plot to install pro-Russian leader in Ukraine. Moscow calls it ‘disinformation’
- UK claims Russian intelligence services have been in contact with former Ukrainian politicians as part of invasion plans
- Russia’s foreign ministry rejected what it described as ‘disinformation’, urged Britain to ‘stop spreading nonsense’
Britain alleged that it had information that Moscow was plotting to install a pro-Russian leader in Kyiv as fears of a Russian invasion of Ukraine grow.
Tensions have soared in recent weeks as tens of thousands of Russian troops mass on Ukraine’s border, along with an arsenal of tanks, fighting vehicles, artillery and missiles.
London said it had seen evidence that several former Ukrainian politicians had maintained links with Russian intelligence services, and that former MP Yevgen Murayev was being considered as a potential leader.
Some of those in contact with Russian intelligence officers were “currently involved in the planning for an attack on Ukraine”, the Foreign Office said in a statement, though did not release details of the evidence. A US official called the alleged plot “deeply concerning”.
Moscow dismissed the claims as “disinformation”, and urged London to “stop spreading nonsense”.
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US predicts Russia will ‘move in’ on Ukraine as UK and Canada send arms and special forces
“Disinformation circulated by @FCDOGovUK is yet another indication that it is the @NATO Members led by the Anglo-Saxon nations who are escalating tensions around #Ukraine,” Russia’s foreign ministry said in a tweet.