Putin Warns of War with NATO if Western Weapons Used in Russia – Moscow Accuses British Diplomats of Spying
Russia’s FSB security service has revoked the accreditation of six British diplomats in Moscow, accusing them of spying and sabotage activities. The FSB claimed that the British Foreign Office department in London was coordinating the escalation of the political and military situation, with the aim of ensuring Russia’s strategic defeat in its war against Ukraine.
The FSB stated that the actions of the British diplomats posed a threat to the security of the Russian Federation, leading to the termination of their accreditation. The six diplomats were identified on Russian state TV, along with photographs of them. An FSB employee disclosed that the decision to expel the diplomats was made due to their failure to heed warnings to cease intelligence activities within Russia.
NATO’s Involvement and Putin’s Warning
In response to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, Russian President Vladimir Putin issued a warning that if Western countries allowed Ukraine to use longer-range NATO-supplied weapons to strike targets inside Russia, it would result in a direct war with NATO. Putin emphasized that such a decision would entail the participation of NATO countries, the United States, and European nations in the conflict in Ukraine.
Putin’s warning came as the US and UK engaged in discussions regarding easing restrictions on the use of Western weapons by Ukraine. The Russian president has consistently accused NATO of actively participating in the war in Ukraine, further escalating tensions between Russia and the Western alliance.
UK Prime Minister’s Stance and Support for Ukraine
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has condemned Putin’s actions in Ukraine, attributing the conflict to Russia’s illegal invasion of the country. Starmer emphasized Ukraine’s right to self-defense and called on Russia to end the conflict immediately. The UK government has pledged ongoing support for Ukraine, including financial assistance and military aid.
Amidst the escalating tensions, Ukraine’s air force reported shooting down 24 out of 26 drones launched by Russia over multiple regions. The ongoing conflict has led to fierce fighting, with both Russian and Ukrainian forces engaged in combat operations.
Russian Counteroffensive and Recaptured Settlements
Russia has launched a counteroffensive in the Kursk region to push back Ukrainian troops who crossed the border five weeks ago. The Russian defense ministry claimed to have recaptured 10 settlements in the region, signaling a shift in the conflict dynamics. The fierce fighting continues as both sides vie for control over strategic territories.
Accusations of NATO’s Involvement in Military Action
Vyacheslav Volodin, the chairman of Russia’s State Duma and a close ally of President Putin, accused NATO of direct involvement in military actions in Ukraine. He alleged that NATO countries were discussing strikes using long-range weapons on Russian territory, pointing to a coordinated effort to support Ukraine against Russia. The accusations further strained relations between Russia and NATO, heightening concerns of a wider conflict in the region.
British Diplomatic Mission Accused of Espionage
Russia’s foreign ministry spokesperson, Maria Zakharova, criticized the British diplomatic mission in Russia for engaging in activities beyond the scope of the Vienna Convention. Zakharova accused the British embassy of actions aimed at causing harm to the Russian people, highlighting concerns over espionage and covert operations conducted by foreign diplomats.
Expulsion of British Diplomats and Allegations of Spying
The expulsion of six British diplomats from Moscow by Russia’s FSB underscored the growing tensions between the two countries. The FSB alleged that the diplomats were involved in spying and sabotage activities, posing a threat to Russia’s national security. The decision to revoke their accreditation was a response to what Russia perceived as unfriendly actions by the UK government.
In conclusion, the escalating conflict in Ukraine has intensified geopolitical tensions between Russia and Western powers, with accusations of espionage, military involvement, and diplomatic expulsions fueling the crisis. The situation remains volatile, with the potential for further escalation and broader regional implications. Diplomatic efforts and dialogue are crucial to de-escalating the conflict and finding a peaceful resolution to the ongoing crisis in Ukraine.