Russia’s Ambassador to the UK, Andrei Kelin, has accused the British government of involvement in a recent Ukrainian drone attack that destroyed over 40 warplanes inside Russia. In an interview with Sky News’ Yalda Hakim, Kelin warned that Ukraine’s actions “are bringing the conflict to a different level of escalation” and could potentially lead to “World War III”.
The Drone Attack
The attack, which Kyiv described as a historic victory, involved over 100 Ukrainian drones targeting Russian airfields. Kelin believes that Ukraine must have had assistance from a country with advanced technology, specifically geospaced data, to carry out such a sophisticated attack.
Accusations Against the UK
Kelin pointedly mentioned the UK as a potential culprit, stating, “We perfectly know how much London is involved, how deeply British forces are involved in working together with Ukraine.” He added that while he doesn’t believe the US was involved, given President Trump’s denial, the UK’s involvement hasn’t been denied.
Response from the UK
A Downing Street spokesperson declined to comment on the allegations, stating, “We never comment on operational matters at home or abroad.”
International Reactions
Key Reactions:
- US Involvement: US President Donald Trump discussed the attack with Vladimir Putin during a phone call, stating that Putin “very strongly” vowed revenge against Ukraine for the drone strike.
- Escalation Concerns: Kelin emphasized the need for Russia to respond to the attack, saying, “It is up to the Ministry of Defence to make a right solution, but we have to respond to it.”
Implications
The ambassador’s accusations have raised concerns about the potential escalation of the conflict and the involvement of Western countries. As the situation continues to unfold, the international community remains on high alert, watching for Russia’s next move.¹
