The Russian Foreign Ministry has responded to UK's claims that Moscow is planning to install a pro-Russian leader in Ukraine, calling such allegations "nonsense" and a provocation that is intended to escalate the situation.

In a statement issued on Saturday, the British Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office claimed that the Russian government was "looking to install a pro-Russian leader in Kyiv," and that former Ukrainian parliament member Yevhen Murayev was being considered as a "potential candidate." The UK Foreign Office also claimed that Russian intelligence was in contact with a number of former Ukrainian politicians, including ex-Prime Minister Mykola Azarov.

The Russian Foreign Ministry Commented on these statements by saying: "the disinformation spread by the British Foreign Office is yet another evidence that it is the NATO countries, led by the Anglo-Saxons, that are escalating tensions around Ukraine."

Furthermore, the Russian Foreign Ministry urged the UK to "suspend provocative activities and stop spreading nonsense."

Earlier, Russian foreign ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova stated that Moscow expects military and informational provocations from the US and Ukraine on the eve of the Winter Olympic Games in Beijing, which is scheduled to run from the 4th of February to the 20th.

These developments came amid western claims of a Russian troop buildup on the border with Ukraine and preparing for a military invasion - accusations Russia has long been denying.

The West had previously threatened Russia with "heavy sanctions", but Putin said that Moscow pursues a peaceful foreign policy; however, it has the right to defend its security.