Agency Staff
Russian foreign ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said on Thursday the UK needs to disclose what a British soldier killed in Ukraine on Tuesday was really doing there, accusing London of helping Kyiv carry out “acts of terrorism”.
The UK’s ministry of defence said on Tuesday that the soldier, L/Cpl George Hooley, died in Ukraine while observing Ukrainian forces test a new defensive capability away from the front line.
Zakharova said the UK government should not deceive its citizens by claiming that its soldiers sent to Ukraine were mere advisers or instructors. She accused British forces of helping Kyiv “carry out terrorist attacks and extremist tasks” on London’s direct orders.
Zakharova, who said Russia would regard any foreign military contingents in Ukraine as legitimate targets, did not provide evidence to back up her accusations of alleged wider UK involvement.
The UK, one of Ukraine’s staunchest supporters, has never confirmed how many service personnel are in Ukraine, but the BBC has reported that a small contingent is supporting Ukrainian forces and is providing security to diplomatic staff.
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.