Today, Sunday, the Russian Foreign Ministry denied what the British government published that the Kremlin was planning to install a leader loyal to it in Kiev. In return, the Ukrainian presidency pledged, today, to continue to “dismantle” all pro-Moscow groups.
In a statement, the Russian Foreign Ministry called on London to stop publishing what it described as nonsense regarding Ukraine.
She also said that the disinformation published by the British Foreign Office represents new evidence that the countries of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) (NATO) are escalating tension.
In turn, the Russian Embassy in London strongly urged the British side to stop “stupid rhetorical provocations” which are considered very dangerous in the escalating current situation, and to contribute to real diplomatic efforts to provide reliable guarantees for European security.
This embassy said in a statement that the latest information – about Russia’s intention to bring the former deputy of the Ukrainian Parliament Yevgeny Murrayev to power in Kiev – is fabricated.
She noted that Muraev himself is subject to sanctions in Russia as a person who poses a threat to national security.
On the other hand, the Ukrainian presidency announced that it would continue to “dismantle” all pro-Russian groups.
Adviser to the head of the presidential office, Mikhailo Podolyak, said: Our state will continue its policy of dismantling every oligarchic (oligarchic) and political structure that can destabilize Ukraine or collude with the Russian occupiers.
And earlier yesterday evening, British Foreign Secretary Lise Terrace accused Russia of seeking to install a pro-president in Kiev.
The accusations come amid escalating tension with the West over Russia’s build-up of forces near its border with Ukraine, while Moscow insists it has no intention of invading Ukraine.
In turn, British Deputy Prime Minister Dominic Raab warned Russia that it would face harsh economic sanctions if it brought a system of government under its control in Ukraine.
“It is very unlikely that we would ever intervene militarily in Ukraine, but we are participating in training programs to support Ukrainians who are defending themselves,” Raab added.
He added, “As I made clear, we want to make sure that the economic cost that the Kremlin will bear if Russia invades Ukraine will be high enough that they will think twice.”
new leaders
For his part, the former Ukrainian MP – whom London says Moscow is seeking to install as Ukraine’s president – said his country needs new leadership.
Murayev stressed that the era of pro-Western and Russian politicians in Ukraine is over.
He added – in a Facebook post – that the Ukrainian people need the rule of law, peaceful, wise and pragmatic economic and social policies, and new political leaders as well, he said.
And he added, “I appeal to all concerned with the fate of Ukraine: stop dividing us into categories – whether pro-Russian or pro-Western – stop pitting us against each other and we will build peace in our country ourselves.”
Murrayev was among a number of personalities mentioned by the British Foreign Office this week, as part of her talk about information she has that Moscow is seeking to install a president loyal to it in Kiev.
London indicated that there is evidence that a number of former Ukrainian politicians are linked to Russian intelligence services, and pointed out that Moscow is considering Murrayev as a possible candidate to take power in Ukraine.
Murayev lost his seat in parliament when his party failed to win 5% of the vote in the 2019 elections. He is known as the owner of a television channel that was closed down last year on charges of broadcasting pro-Russian propaganda.
American concern
In the United States, the White House expressed deep concern after Britain’s accusations that Russia was trying to change the political system in Ukraine.
In a news release, the White House announced that President Joe Biden and his national security team discussed “continued Russian aggression” against Ukraine.
According to the statement, Biden briefed his team on the current status of Russian military operations on the borders of Ukraine.
The US President has vowed that Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, if it occurs, will have dire consequences.
The White House stated that the National Security Council discussed a range of deterrence measures against Russia, which are being coordinated with allies, including continued military support for the Ukrainian military.
And White House spokeswoman Jen Psaki confirmed earlier that her country intends to send Mi-17 military transport helicopters to Ukraine to support the defense capabilities of the army.
Psaki added that the State Department also gave the green light to 3 NATO allies to expedite the delivery of anti-armor missiles, and other US weapons, to Ukraine.
Western military aid has begun to flow into Ukraine, and US aid includes about 100 tons of lethal weapons.
peace prayer
In light of Western anger at the Russian escalation, Pope Francis called today for an international day of “Prayer for Peace” on January 26, to prevent the Ukraine crisis from worsening, stressing that tensions threaten Europe’s security and threaten serious repercussions.
The Pope announced the day of prayer during his weekly homily in St Peter’s Square, and appealed for dialogue to defuse the Ukraine crisis.
He added: I appeal from the bottom of my heart to all people of good will to pray to God so that every political action and initiative is in the service of human brotherhood and not in the service of personal interests.
On Friday, prominent US and Russian diplomats failed to achieve a breakthrough in talks to resolve the Ukraine crisis, but they agreed to continue the dialogue.
The relations of NATO and Moscow are witnessing a decline to the lowest level since the Cold War, due to the tense relations between Kiev and Russia for nearly 7 years, against the background of the latter’s illegal annexation of the Ukrainian Crimea and its support for the separatists loyal to it in the Donbas region in eastern Ukraine.