Kremlin accuses Britain of instigating and taking part in Ukraine's invasion of Russia after 'masterstroke' attack

9 August 2024, 07:48

Russia has retaliated by launching a missile attack, targeting the military equipment of Ukrainian Armed Forces.
Russia has retaliated by launching a missile attack, targeting the military equipment of Ukrainian Armed Forces. Picture: Alamy/Getty

By Emma Soteriou

The Kremlin has accused Britain of instigating and taking part in Ukraine's invasion of Russia after their "masterstroke" attack.

Listen to this article

Loading audio...

Ukrainian soldiers charged across the Russian border for the first time since the conflict began this week.

The invasion took place in the Kursk region, which is of particular value to Russia due to its gas supplies.

Troops have since reinforced their positions, suggesting Ukraine intends to hold the territory.

But in a bid to deflect blame, a senior Russian politician claimed on Thursday that Britain had been involved in the operation.

Read more: One thousand Ukrainian troops cross over Russian border, as Putin hits out at 'large-scale provocation'

Read more: Ukraine sinks Russian submarine off Crimea and launches wave of drone strikes

Putin listens to acting Governor of Kursk region Alexei Smirnov during a meeting
Putin listens to acting Governor of Kursk region Alexei Smirnov during a meeting. Picture: Alamy

Adalbi Shkhagoshev, a member of the State Duma Committee, told Russian state media: "Britain participated in all such sorties. English was heard."

It comes after Vladimir Putin described the invasion as a "large scale provocation" on state TV.

If troops are able to hold the ground gained, it could later be used to bargain with Russia over the land it has taken in eastern Ukraine.

Russia has been forced to decide between losing territory or withdrawing troops from the frontline in eastern Ukraine to assist in Kursk.

It has retaliated by launching a missile attack targeting the military equipment of Ukrainian Armed Forces.

Photo released by the acting Governor of Kursk region Alexei Smirnov shows damaged house after shelling by the Ukrainian side
Photo released by the acting Governor of Kursk region Alexei Smirnov shows damaged house after shelling by the Ukrainian side. Picture: Alamy

British military intelligence officer Philip Ingram said on Thursday evening: "The mini-invasion targeted an area where Russian defences are weak. Ukraine has embarrassed Putin and the Russian military.

"They've brought the war to ordinary Russians and set the conditions for negotiations.

"It is too early to tell Ukraine's ultimate objectives, but on the surface it could be a masterstroke if they can continue the advance and hold off Russian counterattacks."

Putin previously told cabinet officials that he would meet with top defence and security officials to discuss what he called the "indiscriminate shelling of civilian buildings, residential houses, ambulances with different types of weapons".

Ukrainian officials have not commented on the scope of the operation around the town of Sudzha, but Kursk's acting deputy governor, Andrei Belostotsky, said Russian forces are fighting to prevent Ukrainians from advancing further into the region.

More Latest News

See more More Latest News

Steven Wilson suffered several injuries when convicted murderer Patrick Chandler attacked him “out of the blue” in July 2018

Convicted burglar handed £5.5m payout after being stabbed 16 times in prison canteen and left with kitchen phobia

Election 2024 Trump

Report finds communication failures before Trump assassination attempt

People gather near a damaged building at the scene of an Israeli missile strike in the southern suburbs of Beirut

Israel’s military says its strike on Beirut killed senior Hezbollah official

Exclusive
Robert Jenrick Launches His Bid To Be The Next Conservative Party Leader

Social housing should be focused on ‘people who have been here for a long time’, Robert Jenrick tells LBC

Premier Giorgia Meloni meets with Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Keir Starmer

Keir Starmer, Angela Rayner and Rachel Reeves will no longer accept donations to pay for clothes amid gift row

People and rescuers gather at the scene of an Israeli missile strike in the southern suburbs of Beirut

At least nine killed and 60 wounded in Israeli strike on Beirut

Netherlands Stabbing

Man arrested after fatal stabbing in Rotterdam suspected of terrorist motive

Exclusive
Secret permission for Ukraine to fire missiles inside Russia could be given in the coming weeks

Secret permission for Ukraine to fire missiles inside Russia could be given in the coming weeks

Exclusive
Former popstar Holly Valance has told LBC that her children call Reform UK leader Nigel Farage “uncle Nige”

Former popstar Holly Valance says kids call Nigel Farage 'uncle Nige' as she reveals £100k Reform UK donation

Chocolate Bars

Iconic chocolate bar to return after a generation away

This photo shows a house where a Hungarian company that allegedly manufactured pagers that exploded in Lebanon and Syria is headquartered in Budapest

Woman whose firm linked to exploding pagers ‘under Hungarian protection’

Fire is being exchanged between Israel and Hezbollah

Top Hezbollah commander killed in Israeli strike on Beirut, IDF says

APTOPIX Election 2024 Harris

Kamala Harris focusing on personal stories as she campaigns on abortion rights

New York City-based banker Renata Rojas delivered a harrowing testimony about the mission on the fourth day of a two-week public hearing

'This was never sold as a Disney ride': OceanGate mission specialist speaks out at hearing over Titan submersible

Liam Elms was jailed for the manslaughter of Paul Lavery

Liverpool man jailed for killing disabled uncle in drunken rage and attacking emergency workers who came to help him

View of the theatre marquis at the world premiere of Pixar's "Inside Out 2" at El Capitan Theatre in Los Angeles

Disney facing fresh homophobia row after sources allege Inside Out 2 was made to be 'less gay'