Kremlin threatens British diplomats could be targeted if they return to Kyiv – World News

The threat was issued by Russia’s Defense Ministry after Military Secretary James Heappey said Britain supported Ukrainian air strikes on Russian infrastructure

British diplomats based in Kyiv could face threats if they return to the city after a threat from the Russian Defense Ministry.

Moscow last night warned it could attack British diplomats returning to Ukraine’s capital after a defense minister held “provocative” talks about bombing Russia.

The threat was issued by Russia’s Defense Ministry after Military Secretary James Heappey said Britain supported Ukrainian air strikes on Russian infrastructure. This is reported by Mail Online.

It was “perfectly legitimate” to use British arms in such attacks, he added, although it is not currently believed to be the case.

Mr Heappey’s comments were picked up by the Kremlin and the minister has now been accused of “provocation”.

Moscow has also warned it is ready to strike back at “decision centers” in Kyiv in retaliation even if British and other Western diplomats are present.

The threat comes after Boris Johnson announced last week that Britain would reopen its embassy in Kyiv this week – “depending” on the security situation.

Staff were evacuated about two months ago after war broke out.

British Ambassador to Ukraine Melinda Simmons is poised to be one of the first female diplomats to return.

A Kremlin spokesman responded to Mr Heappey’s support for Ukrainian attacks on Russian supply lines by saying the group wanted to “emphasise” that London’s provocation of the Kiev regime to such actions, if such actions were carried out, would result in a “proportionate response”. would “.

“As we have warned, Russian forces are ready 24/7 to launch retaliatory strikes with long-range, high-precision weapons against decision-making centers in Kyiv,” he said.

“The presence of advisers from Western countries in the Ukrainian decision-making centers will not necessarily pose a problem for Russia when deciding whether to launch retaliatory measures.”

Speaking on Times Radio yesterday, Mr Heappey spoke of Britain’s “duty” to support any Ukrainian attacks on Russian infrastructure – which he said could prevent civilian deaths.

Earlier this week Fires broke out at two oil fields and a military facility in central Russia after a suspected attack by Ukraine.

The fires come after massive explosions at the Druzhba oil depots in the city of Bryansk, where Kremlin military units are based.

The Druzhba pipeline operated by Transneft , is the longest oil pipeline in the world and one of the largest oil pipeline networks in the world.

Ukraine did not admit the attack.

Mr Heappey said it was “certainly the case” that weapons handed over to Ukraine by the international community would have the range to be used across borders.

“But that’s not necessarily a problem. It is perfectly legitimate for Ukraine to aim deep into Russia to disrupt logistics which, if left unperturbed, would directly contribute to death and carnage on Ukrainian soil,” he said.

The minister also insisted that Ukraine is still capable of winning the war if the West provides the necessary equipment.