RUSSIA SUMMONS SENIOR BRITISH DIPLOMAT OVER UK WEAPONS SUPPLIES TO UKRAINE
Russia has summoned Britain's chargé d'affaires in Moscow, Danae Dholakia, to protest what it describes as increasing British weapons supplies to Ukraine. The move follows earlier Russian warnings over Ukraine's use of British supplied weapons against Russian territory.
Russia has summoned Britain's senior diplomat in Moscow to protest what it described as an increase in British weapons supplies to Ukraine, adding to already strained relations between Moscow and London.
The Russian Foreign Ministry said on Friday that Britain's chargé daffier in Moscow, Danae Dholakia, was summoned and issued with a formal protest over London's military assistance to Kyiv.
Moscow accused Britain of increasing arms supplies to Ukraine and said the support was contributing to Ukrainian military operations against Russia.
Britain has consistently defended its assistance to Ukraine, saying it remains committed to providing Kyiv with the military equipment it needs to defend itself.
MOSCOW PROTESTS BRITISH WEAPONS SUPPLIES
In its statement, Russia's Foreign Ministry accused London of involvement in Ukrainian attacks through its continued military support.
The accusations reflect Russia's position and have been rejected more broadly by Britain, which says its military assistance is intended to help Ukraine defend itself following Russia's invasion.
The diplomatic confrontation comes amid continuing tensions over the use of Western supplied long range weapons in the conflict.
RUSSIA PREVIOUSLY WARNED BRITAIN
The latest diplomatic action follows a warning issued by Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova in August.
Zakharova said British military facilities and equipment in Ukraine and potentially elsewhere could be targeted in retaliation if Ukraine used British supplied weapons to strike Russian territory.
The warning came amid tensions surrounding Britain's Storm Shadow cruise missiles, which have been supplied to Ukraine.
Moscow has argued that the use of sophisticated Western weapons against targets in Russian territory demonstrates direct Western involvement in the conflict.
Britain and its allies reject Russia's broader characterization of their support, maintaining that Ukraine has the right to defend itself.
UK REMAINS MAJOR SUPPORTER OF UKRAINE
Britain has been one of Ukraine's significant military supporters since Russia launched its full scale invasion in February 2022.
London has provided weapons, training and other forms of assistance to Ukrainian forces.
The British government says it stands alongside Ukraine and remains committed to supplying military equipment necessary for the country's defense.
The dispute over British weapons has become particularly sensitive because of their range and ability to strike targets well behind front lines.
UK AND RUSSIA RELATIONS REMAIN STRAINED
Relations between Britain and Russia remain severely strained.
Russia currently has no ambassador in London following the departure of its previous envoy, Andrei Kelin, in July.
British media reports had suggested his departure could indicate Moscow was downgrading diplomatic relations with the United Kingdom because of Britain's support for Ukraine.
Russia denied that interpretation.
The two countries have also repeatedly summoned and expelled diplomats during the years since Russia's invasion of Ukraine, reflecting the deterioration in bilateral relations.
Friday's summons adds another diplomatic confrontation to that relationship as fighting continues and Western governments maintain military assistance to Kyiv.
