Russia has accused Britain of being behind Ukraine’s remarkable ‘mini-invasion’ that has stunned Vladimir Putin.
Thousands of Ukrainian soldiers charged across the Russian border this week for the first time since the conflict began. Since then, these troops have reinforced their positions, suggesting Ukraine intends to hold the territory it has seized.
The move – described last night by a former UK intelligence officer as a ‘masterstroke’ – could prove a game-changer in future peace talks.
On state television Putin described the Ukrainian incursion into Russian territory, some 320 miles from Moscow, as a ‘large scale provocation’.
In an apparent bid to deflect blame, a senior Russian politician last night accused Britain of instigating and taking part in the operation.
Adalbi Shkhagoshev, a member of the State Duma Committee told Russian media outlets: ‘Britain participated in all such sorties. English was heard.’
The Kursk region, where the incursion took place, is critical for Russian gas supplies – so Moscow’s highly lucrative exports of natural resources could be compromised.
If Ukraine can hold the ground, it could be used as a bargaining chip to get back Russian-occupied areas of eastern Ukraine.
Wednesday night, Putin faced a dilemma – accept such a strategically damaging and embarrassing loss of territory, or pull together a force capable of dislodging the Ukrainian forces.
The second option would require thousands of Russian soldiers to be withdrawn from the 700-mile frontline in eastern Ukraine, which would inevitably weaken these positions.
