Russia claims UK directly involved in Ukraine war

Russia’s ambassador to the UK, Andrei Kelin, claimed Thursday that Britain is now “directly involved” in the war in Ukraine following Ukraine’s use of British-made Storm Shadow missiles to target Russian territory.

The remarks come as tensions between NATO countries and Moscow escalate, marking the 1,000th day of the war in Ukraine.

In an interview with Sky News, Kelin asserted that the use of these advanced long-range missiles, which reportedly struck Russian targets, could not have happened without NATO’s involvement, including British personnel.

“Absolutely, Britain and the UK are now directly involved in this war, because this firing cannot happen without NATO staff, British staff as well,” Kelin said.

The controversy stems from recent Western approvals, including from the United States and Britain, allowing Ukraine to use long-range missiles against Russian positions. This marks a shift from earlier restrictions, which limited Western military support to short-range strikes within Ukraine.

Storm Shadow missiles, considered highly advanced, were reportedly used just days after U.S. President Joe Biden gave the green light to a similar policy.

When asked whether Russia’s use of foreign-supplied equipment—such as technology from China, Iran, and North Korea—constitutes direct involvement, Kelin focused on the presence of foreign fighters supporting Ukraine.

“We have plenty of mercenaries from different countries that are fighting right now on the side of Ukraine,” he said.

The UK has previously supplied military aid to Ukraine, including Challenger 2 tanks and anti-tank missiles, but has been cautious about allowing these resources to be used in cross-border operations. However, the recent shift to providing long-range missiles like the Storm Shadow could signal a new phase in Western involvement in the conflict.