The Russian Embassy in London warned on Sunday that Britain should cease its "dumb and dangerous" rhetorical provocations concerning the Ukrainian crisis.
"London found itself on the sidelines of a real diplomatic process as a result of the UK's short-sighted policies, so now it is playing a role in the constant incitement of anti-Russian sentiment. The logic is simple: accusing Russia of preparing an 'inevitable' invasion of Ukraine and, on this fake pretext, pretending to be an ideological leader of the 'free world' defending itself from 'autocrats'", the statement from the embassy read.
The statement comes in response to London's allegations that Russia is planning to install a "puppet government in Kiev". The UK even named former Ukrainian lawmaker Yevhen Murayev as a potential candidate - despite him having been sanctioned by Moscow in 2018.
Even the former politician himself told The Telegraph that he felt "amused" by the UK's allegations.
The Russian diplomats also blasted Foreign Secretary Liz Truss who said that Ukraine has fought against multiple invasions "from the Mongols to the Tatars" - which was the same thing. The embassy said it was a perfect example of the lower standard of professionalism among British politicians.
Sanctions on the Way?
Meanwhile, London also vowed to oppose any so-called Russian "invasion" of Ukraine. Deputy Prime Minister Dominic Raab promised that the Russian economy will face "severe" consequences in case of aggression. He said, however, that it is "extremely unlikely" the United Kingdom would send any troops to defend Ukraine.
At the same time, the newspaper The Telegraph reported that Britain is working on sanctions against Moscow, which may include cutting Russia off from the inter-bank system SWIFT and imposing restrictions on the Nord Stream 2 pipeline.
Reports earlier suggested that the UK has sent around 30 elite troops to Ukraine to train the local forces to use anti-tank weapons transferred to Kiev by London.
Britain's Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab looks on during a visit of Britain's Prime Minister Boris Johnson at the The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) Crisis Centre in London, Britain August 27, 2021
© REUTERS / Jeff Gilbert/Pool
Tensions between Russia and Ukraine have been escalating over the past several months, as NATO nations alleged that Moscow plans to "invade Ukraine", citing the movements of the nation's forces on Russian territory. The Russian Foreign Ministry slammed those accusations and noted that Moscow is anticipating military provocations from the West and Kiev on the eve of the Beijing Olympics.
Moscow pointed to NATO's military activity near Russia's borders, which it deems a threat to its national security. Russia has also affirmed that it has every right to move its troops within its own borders.
In addition, Russia offered security guarantee proposals to stop the escalation with the alliance, suggesting serious limits for missile and troop deployments for both sides, as well as a halt to NATO's eastward expansion. However, the bloc maintained it won't abandon its "open-door" policy.