London - January 23, ANI The United Kingdom accused Russia of trying to install a pro-Russian leader in Ukraine and maintain links with some former Ukrainian politicians.
We have information that shows that the Russian government is looking to install a pro-Russian leader in Kyiv as it considers whether to invade and occupy Ukraine. The British Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office said in a Saturday statement that former Ukrainian MP Yevhen Murayev is being considered as a potential candidate.
The UK foreign office said Russian intelligence services are involved in planning for an attack on Ukraine and are in contact with numerous former Ukrainian politicians, including Ukraine's ex-Prime Minister Mykola Azarov.
British Foreign Secretary Liz Truss said that the information being released today shines a light on Russian activity designed to subvert Ukraine and is an insight into Kremlin thinking. She called for Russia to de-escalate and warn of the severe costs. This controversy comes after the Ukraine border crisis has heightened tensions in Europe. Several western countries led by the US accuse Russia of amassing troops near the Ukrainian border in preparation for an invasion.