Russia warns: UK sending troops to Ukraine is a declaration of war

Deputy Chairman of the Russian Security Council Dmitry Medvedev (Photo: Reuters).

"I hope that our opponents - the British - understand that the deployment of military forces to Ukraine will be a declaration of war against our country," Deputy Chairman of the Russian Security Council Dmitry Medvedev warned on Telegram on January 12.

Mr Medvedev also asked how the Western public would feel if British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s delegation was attacked with cluster bombs in the middle of Kiev (Ukraine). Mr Medvedev appeared to express his anger over the recent incident when Ukraine was accused of using cluster bombs in the Russian city of Belgorod, killing 25 people and injuring hundreds.

The warning was issued as British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak made a surprise visit to Kiev on January 12, announcing a new military aid package worth more than $3 billion for Ukraine next year.

The new aid package will include long-range missiles, air defense systems and artillery shells. In addition, $255 million will be allocated for reconnaissance and attack drones. This will be the largest UAV delivery to Ukraine to date.

Mr Sunak will also sign a bilateral security agreement for Ukraine. The British Prime Minister is also expected to meet emergency workers working in areas hit by recent Russian airstrikes.

Mr Sunak will also announce a $23 billion aid package to support humanitarian assistance and bolster Ukraine's energy infrastructure. The UK will also provide additional funding and resources for English languageeducation in Ukraine.

"Today, I come here with a message: Britain will not back down either. We will stand by Ukraine no matter what the future holds for us, good or bad. Britain is one of Ukraine's closest partners, and we consider your security as our own," Mr Sunak said.

"From today, we will go further. We will increase military aid, provide thousands of advanced drones and sign a historic new security agreement to secure Ukraine's long-term future," the British Prime Minister affirmed.

Earlier, in early January, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky had a phone call with Prime Minister Sunak and thanked him for the UK's important contributions to Ukraine in the field of air defense and air force.

In addition to the UK, Latvia has also pledged to increase aid to Ukraine amid a halt in US aid due to the political deadlock. At a joint press conference with Mr. Zelensky in the Latvian capital city of Riga, President Rinkevics announced that the country would provide a new aid package to Kiev including helicopters, missiles and ammunition.

Latvia has been a NATO member since 2004. The country has consistently supported Kiev since the Ukraine-Russia conflict broke out in February 2022. It has pledged to spend more than 1% of its GDP on military aid and invest in training programs for Ukrainian soldiers.

After visiting Riga, Mr. Zelensky stopped in Estonia, where he also reached an agreement to provide $1.3 billion in aid to Kiev until 2027.

Source: https://dantri.com.vn/the-gioi/nga-canh-bao-anh-dua-quan-den-ukraine-la-tuyen-chien-20240112214125909.htm