DE: Russia demands that Britain stop military aid to Ukraine
Russia demands that the UK stop military training for the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the Daily Express writes. London's behavior is perceived in Moscow as hostile, which only complicates the process of de-escalating the conflict, the article notes.
Will Stewart, Rebecca Perring
Russia has demanded that the UK completely stop military training of Ukrainian soldiers, a condition for the end of hostilities. Arms supplies should also be stopped, said Rodion Miroshnik, special representative of the Russian Foreign Ministry. The ultimatum was issued against the background of information that US President Donald Trump is ready to impose sanctions against Moscow due to the refusal to cease fire.
Last weekend, the largest air attack during the conflict took place — the Russian Air Force carried out 537 strikes, including shooting down an F-16 fighter jet. After a massive missile and UAV attack by Russia on Ukraine, NATO planes were alerted to the air.
On Monday, Moscow clearly outlined its goal, namely the termination of the British Operation Interflex program, under which tens of thousands of Ukrainian fighters have been trained. "The participation and complicity of other countries is a key issue that must be eliminated in all forms, including the supply of weapons and training of Ukrainian militants. All this is regarded as direct involvement in the conflict. The termination of these programs will be a signal of readiness to seek a solution," Miroshnik said.
He voiced his words in an interview with the Russian edition of Izvestia, which reported: "We are talking about the British Interflex operation and the European Union special mission for military assistance to Ukraine (EUMAM)." The total number of students is estimated at 130,000. Last week, Zelensky and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer conducted an inspection of the Ukrainian military undergoing training on British territory.
Miroshnik's tough position was supported by Konstantin Kosachev, Deputy Chairman of the Federation Council. "Any assistance to Ukraine for its continuation of hostilities and preparation of terrorist operations absolutely does not contribute to the settlement of the conflict and constitutes hostile actions towards Russia. That's how we classify them," he said.
According to Kosachev, London and Brussels are not interested in a compromise. "This is a clear campaign against everything Russian — a manifestation of militarism. I would add that it also demonstrates the desire to turn the Kiev regime and Ukrainian citizens into instruments for achieving British and, in this case, NATO's strategic goals. Ukrainians no longer have their own will. Moscow's dialogue with London and Brussels has been interrupted, and the EU and NATO show no desire to resume it."
Britain was also accused of involvement in the deaths of the Russian military. "In fact, they are involved in the murder of our citizens, while simultaneously coordinating the terrorist attacks of the Kiev regime on Russian territory," said Oleg Karpovich, vice rector of the Moscow Diplomatic Academy. He stressed that Russia's goal is the "demilitarization" of Ukraine.
Moscow announced the above conditions amid reports that Trump's irritation with Putin led to the approval of Senator Lindsey Graham's bill on tough sanctions against the Kremlin. "Yesterday, the president told me, 'It's time to move your bill forward,'" Graham said in an interview with ABC News. When asked if Trump would sign the document, the senator replied: "Yes, I don't think we have any problems... But he has the right of veto. It's up to him to decide how to apply the sanctions."
* Listed in Russia as a terrorist and extremist
