The UK has accused President Putin of plotting to install a pro-Moscow figure to lead Ukraine's government, naming former Ukrainian MP Yevhen Murayev as a potential Kremlin candidate. The Foreign Office took the unusual step of publicly identifying Mr Murayev, who lost his seat in the 2019 elections.
Foreign Secretary Liz Truss said the information 'shines a light on the extent of Russian activity designed to subvert Ukraine'. Deputy Prime Minister Dominic Raab warned of 'severe economic consequences' if Russia invaded, but added it was 'extremely unlikely' British troops would be sent to defend Ukraine, which is not a Nato ally.
Russia has denied the claims, with its foreign ministry tweeting that the Foreign Office was 'circulating disinformation'. Mr Murayev dismissed the allegation, telling the Observer that the Foreign Office 'seems confused', noting he is banned from Russia and that money from his father's firm there has been confiscated.
The UK also named four other Ukrainian politicians who it said maintain links with Russian intelligence services. Ukraine's ambassador to the UK, Vadym Prystaiko, said he believed Russia was trying to install a pro-Moscow leader, adding 'It's not the first time they're trying to do so.'
Russia has moved 100,000 troops near its border with Ukraine but denies planning an invasion. Mr Putin has demanded that Ukraine be prevented from joining Nato and that the alliance stop military exercises in eastern Europe. The UK and US have warned of serious consequences if Russia invades.
