The Kremlin has condemned Britain’s decision to share classified information with Ukraine about British components of the long-range SCALP cruise missile, saying the move will “add fuel to the fire”.
Moscow considers the decision highly negative as UK support to Ukraine continues to deepen.
British Prime Minister Andy Burnham arrived in Kyiv on Monday for his first overseas trip since taking office. He is expected to announce British support to help Ukraine strengthen its domestic production of long-range missiles.
Burnham pledges continued backing
Speaking in Kyiv, Burnham pledged that Britain would continue supporting Ukraine despite what he described as “outrageous Russian threats” against the UK.
“Despite the outrageous Russian threats against my country, we will continue to support Ukraine’s defence. I know you need more help to protect your skies and your citizens,” the British Prime Minister said before meeting Western partners in Kyiv.
Asked about the visit and British support, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov accused Britain of doing everything possible to prevent progress towards a final peace agreement.
“Britain is involved in this war on the side of the Kyiv regime. Britain is methodically and systematically adding fuel to the fire and methodically and systematically devising plans to prevent even the slightest progress in the peaceful settlement process,” Peskov told reporters.
Moscow threatens missile facilities
Peskov said the Russian military was already systematically gathering information to locate any missile production facilities and subsequently destroy them.
Moscow warned London last week of unspecified “consequences” over the supply of drones to Kyiv. Russia accused Britain of deepening its involvement in the war following a report that British-made drones had been used for long-range strikes against Russia for the first time.
Burnham said at the time that London remained “100%” committed to supporting Ukraine against what he called an “illegal war”.
Russia addresses grain exports
Peskov also said measures were being taken to minimise the impact of Ukrainian attacks on Russia’s grain exports.
Russia and Ukraine are both major grain exporters. Attacks by both sides on ports and vessels in recent weeks have closed grain terminals and forced shipping companies to delay or cancel cargoes involving dozens of vessels during the peak export season.
“Measures have been identified and will be further developed, ensuring that all grain intended for export is transported on time and in full,” Peskov said.
Russian President Vladimir Putin acknowledged last week that Russia was experiencing difficulties with agricultural exports but said the problems would be resolved. He also pledged that there would be no shortages on international markets.
Putin estimated that Russia would have around 60 million tonnes of grain available for export this season.
Russian grain exports are expected to reach 2.2 million metric tonnes in August, up from 1.95 million tonnes in July, according to Sovecon.
Also read: Burnham to hand missile blueprints to Zelensky during Kyiv visit
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