https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/b...nvoy-50rb52jgt
Britain risking war by stepping too close to Russian border, says envoy
Rususia’s ambassador to the UK has warned there is “a pretty serious risk” of war between the countries as tensions spiral over Ukraine.
Andrei Kelin’s warning comes after a big
build-up of Russian troops on Ukraine’s eastern border and fears that a full-blown invasion is imminent. Allied nations have responded by issuing declarations of solidarity with the Kiev government. Britain began to reposition its own formations last week in an attempt to deter the Kremlin.
In response Kelin said in an interview with Times Radio: “There is a risk of war on our border. It’s pretty serious. There is a possibility that there is a spark and an incident can occur. Nato is stepping up its presence along the borders of the Russian federation. We have lots of manoeuvring now in the Baltic Sea. We have strategic aviation, with nuclear warheads, flying 20km close to the borders.”
The ambassador also revealed that the decision by the defence secretary, Ben Wallace, last week to move an armoured brigade back to Germany in response to increased Russian aggression sparked anger in Moscow.
accused Britain of “stepping closer and closer” to Russia’s borders. The senior diplomat also warned that further reinforcement of Nato forces in Ukraine would be interpreted as “a threat to invade Russia”.