On December 11, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said that there are currently at least 100 British citizens serving in Ukrainian units, affirming that they are also participating in the campaigns launched by Kiev to face Moscow.
Commenting on the incident involving British soldiers in recent days, Mr. Lavrov said that Russia will make a "necessary conclusion" after London recognizes the military presence in Ukraine.
Foreign Minister Lavrov said that the UK and the European Union (EU) sending soldiers to Ukraine under the guise of "peacekeeping forces" was actually a cover for military intervention.
According to the Foreign Minister, Russia will consider the "peacekepers" sent to Ukraine as "legitimate targets". Mr. Lavrov said: "People have to understand this".
The presence of British soldiers, Mr. Lavrov said, clearly shows that London's goal is to hinder US President Donald Trump's efforts to promote peace, thereby prolonging the conflict.
Not only the UK, but some other European powers including Germany, France and Poland also have similar targets because an early end to the conflict is not in their interests, Mr. Lavrov stressed.
Meanwhile, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova asked the UK to honestly acknowledge what their soldiers did in Ukraine, stressing that this should not be a secret to anyone.
Zakharova also said the British government should not deceive the people by describing soldiers sent to Ukraine as just advisers or coaches, accusing London of assisting Kiev in performing terrorist attacks and extreme missions.
Previously, on December 8, the British Ministry of National Defense said that the heaviest soldier George Hooley had died in Ukraine while observing Ukrainian forces testing new defense capabilities, away from the front line.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer later added that hooley, a member of the Paragliding Regiment, has served the country with honor and dedication in many places around the world, including among the few British personnel present in Ukraine.
