U.K. says Russia is planning to install a pro-Russian leader in Ukraine
The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) of United Kingdom (U.K.) ha said that Kremlin is planning to install a pro-Russian leader in Ukraine, as it considers whether to invade Ukraine.
The FCDO has said that Russian Intelligence Officers have been in contact with a number of former Ukrainian politicians as part of plans for an invasion. The FCDO said that former Member of Parliament (MP) – Yevhen Murayev is being considered as a potential candidate.
Murayev, the man named by London, lost his seat in the Ukrainian parliament when his party failed to win 5% of the vote in the 2019 elections. He is the founder of TV channel – Nash, which regulators have been seeking to shut down since last year, accusing it of airing pro-Russian propaganda.
The other potential candidates name by FCDO are First Deputy Prime Minister of Ukraine from 2012 to 2014 – Serhiy Arbuzov, Acting Prime Minister in 2014 – Andriy Kluyev, First Deputy Prime Minister from 2010 to 2012 and Chief of Staff to former Ukrainian President – Vladimir Sivkovich and Prime Minister of Ukraine from 2010-2014 and Former Deputy Head of the Ukrainian National Security and Defence Council (RNBO) – Mykola Azarov.
Speaking on the occasion, the Foreign Secretary of U.K. – Liz Truss said, “The information being released today shines a light on the extent of Russian activity designed to subvert Ukraine, and is an insight into Kremlin thinking.”
She further said, “Russia must de-escalate, end its campaigns of aggression and disinformation, and pursue a path of diplomacy.”
Taking it to twitter, Truss tweeted,
NEW: We will not tolerate Kremlin plot to install pro-Russian leadership in Ukraine.
— Liz Truss (@trussliz) January 22, 2022
The Kremlin knows a military incursion would be a massive strategic mistake & the UK and our partners would impose a severe cost on Russia. https://t.co/XfxSlQqMt9
The claims of FCDO came hours after the U.K. defence said that Defence Minister of Russia – Sergey Shoigu accepted an invitation from the Defence Secretary of U.K. – Ben Wallace to discuss the matter of Ukraine.
Although the FCDO didn’t provide any evidence but the Deputy Prime Minister of U.K. – Dominic Raab warned that Russia will face severe economic sanctions if it installs a “puppet regime” in Ukraine.
“There’ll be very serious consequences if Russia takes this move to try and invade but also install a puppet regime,” said Raab.
Reacting to U.K.’s claim, Russia dismissed London’s claims as “disinformation” and urged London to “stop spreading nonsense”.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) Russia tweeted,
❗ 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.
— MFA Russia 🇷🇺 (@mfa_russia) January 23, 2022
☝️ We urge the Foreign Office to stop spreading nonsense.
🔗 https://t.co/KShxdSpIB4 pic.twitter.com/5c30waMx6r
Meanwhile, a United States (U.S.) shipment of lethal aid has arrived in Ukraine. The delivery, including ammunition for “front line defenders””, marked the first part of a U.S. $ 200 million (£ 147.5 million) security support package approved by the President of the U.S. – Joe Biden.
The U.K. has also sent short-range anti-tank missiles to Ukraine. These are lighter weapons which can knock out a tank by striking it from above. A small team of British troop will also be going to Ukraine to train the Ukraine soldiers.
