Russia warns of escalation if UK sends war planes to Kiev

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
8 Feb 2023 22:08
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Russia warned of escalation if the United Kingdom delivers warplanes to Ukraine.

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy walk after a news conference at a military facility in Lulworth, Dorset, England, Wednesday Feb. 8, 2023 (Peter Nicholls/Pool via AP)

On Wednesday, Russia warned of escalation if the United Kingdom delivers warplanes to Ukraine.

"Russia will find a response to any unfriendly steps taken by the British side," the Russian embassy in London warned.

According to the Russian embassy, "London would be liable for the 'bloody harvest' of the following round of escalation as well as any military or political repercussions that would follow for the European continent and the entire world."

Volodymyr Zelensky, the president of Ukraine, visited London on Wednesday and requested allies to supply combat aircraft to his country.

Nothing is off the table in terms of providing Ukraine with military assistance, according to British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.

At a joint press conference with Zelensky, Sunak stated that fighter jets were on the table as future weapon deliveries to Ukraine.

Earlier today, Sunak welcomed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to London on the Ukrainian President's first state visit to the UK since the start of the war in Ukraine.

Welcome to the UK, President @ZelenskyyUa.

🇬🇧🇺🇦 #SlavaUkraini pic.twitter.com/rMoBTC3ken
— Rishi Sunak (@RishiSunak) February 8, 2023

The two have met to discuss the situation in Ukraine and prospects for further military assistance.

The Ukrainian leader also met with the UK's monarch Charles III. He will also be holding talks with Labour leader Keir Starmer and House of Commons Speaker Lindsay Hoyle, among other officials.

He is also due to hold a speech at Westminster Hall to speak of the UK's contributions to Kiev's forces.

Over the past six months, the UK has trained 10,000 Ukrainian troops and intends to train another 20,000 troops this year.

The Foreign Office said earlier that the UK plans to increase the supply of military aid to Ukraine, including longer-range missiles, intended to prepare Kiev for a potential spring offensive and to cooperate with allies to meet Kiev's military needs, the statement said.