Russia’s ambassador to the UK has warned Western supplies of weapons to Ukraine risk lengthening and triggering a ‘new dimension’ in the war.
Andrei Kelin warned of further escalations to levels not yet seen amid the military support of NATO members, ‘especially’ the UK.
Speaking to the BBC’s Laura Kuenssberg, the diplomat stressed his country can ‘make peace tomorrow’.
‘Russia is 16 times bigger than Ukraine. We have enormous resources,’ Mr Kelin said, also warning against misunderstanding his government’s power.
‘Sooner or later, of course, this escalation may get a new dimension which we do not need and we do not want. We can make peace tomorrow.
‘When asked about mounting evidence of Russia’s war crimes, he said Ukraine was the one committing war crimes.’ Metro reports.
The ambassador then changed tack and said the United Nations had no power to investigate war crimes.
His government has consistently made threats towards the UK and other Western allies over their backing of Ukraine and the supply of weapons.
His comments came just hours before Russia launched the ‘largest’ airstrike on Kyiv ahead of the capital’s birthday celebrations, killing at least one resident.