Russia warns UK of WW3 as Ukraine launches drone strikes on Putin's forces
Russian ambassador Andrei Kelin has warned that Ukraine's drone strikes deep inside Russian territory risk triggering a Third World War
In a pointed interview with Sky News, Russia's ambassador to the UK, Andrei Kelin, issued a grim warning that Ukraine's aggressive drone strikes deep inside Russian borders could potentially spark World War III. Kelin blamed Britain for actively contributing to the mounting tensions, claiming: "Kyiv should not try to engulf World War III."
Kelin cautioned: "That's the very worst-case scenario that we can imagine." Over recent days, Ukraine executed a substantial drone attack, which as per President Volodymyr Zelensky, annihilated upwards of 40 Russian aircraft. These drone strikes involved over 100 drones aiming at airbases within Russia and are seen as one of Kyiv's boldest cross-border incursions yet.
The Russian diplomat maintained that Ukraine's capacity to perform such a sophisticated strike would require external assistance, directly implicating the UK.
Kelin asserted: "This kind of attack involves, of course, provision of very high technology, so-called geospaced data, which only can be done by those who have it in possession. And this is London and Washington."
Additionally, he emphasized the significant extent to which "We perfectly know how much London is involved, how deeply British forces are involved in working together with Ukraine." While he seemed to absolve Washington based on a denial from President Donald Trump, Kelin observed: "It has not been denied by London."
Following a phone conversation with Russian leader Vladimir Putin on Wednesday, President Trump took to social media to share his thoughts: "It was a good conversation, but not a conversation that will lead to immediate peace."
He further mentioned that Mr. Putin "very strongly" conveyed that Russia would "have to respond" to the recent airfield strikes. Russian official Mr. Kelin reiterated this stance, stating, "It is up to the Ministry of Defence to make a right solution, but we have to respond to it."
When questioned about the remarks made by the Russian ambassador, a spokesperson from Downing Street maintained their standard position: "We never comment on operational matters at home or abroad."
These statements come amid reports of explosions on the Kerch Strait Bridge, which connects Crimea to mainland Russia, although no official explanation has been provided; Russian media did verify that the bridge was temporarily shut down.
Russia escalated its attacks against Ukraine with ballistic missiles and drones, resulting in at least four deaths in Kyiv.
Vladimir Putin followed through on his threat to retaliate for the weekend's strikes against Russian airfields.
According to Tymur Tkachenko, head of the Kyiv City Administration, multiple blasts were heard in Kyiv, and emergency services were battling fires triggered by debris as the air defense tried to counteract the attacks.
Kyiv's Mayor Vitali Klitschko posted on Telegram confirming the fatalities: "Search and rescue operations are ongoing in several locations." Authorities have reported damage in multiple districts, with rescue teams responding at various locations.
In the Solomyanskyi district, a fire ignited on the 11th floor of a 16-story residential building. Emergency services managed to evacuate three individuals from the apartment, with rescue operations still underway.
A separate fire was reported in a metal warehouse.
