Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB) has linked Ukrainian and British intelligence agencies to an alleged plot to lure Russian pilots into defecting with a MiG-31 fighter jet armed with a Kinzhal hypersonic missile.
The security service claimed that Ukrainian military intelligence had attempted to recruit Russian pilots for what it called a “large-scale provocation” in coordination with Britain.
The pilots were reportedly offered $3 million (£2.2m) to carry out the plan.
According to the RIA news agency on November 11, the FSB claimed the plan involved flying the stolen jet toward a NATO air base in the Romanian city of Constanta, where it could have been intercepted and destroyed by air defences.
“The measures taken have thwarted the Ukrainian and British intelligence services’ plans for a large-scale provocation,” FSB said.
Russian state television aired images and audio recordings reportedly showing interactions with a man said to be working for Ukrainian and British intelligence.
This follows Russia’s repeated accusations that the UK is aiding Ukraine in escalating the conflict.
Russia Claims Britain Is Fuelling the Conflict in Ukraine
The allegations come days after Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova accused the United Kingdom of intensifying the conflict in Ukraine.
Speaking in response to media reports suggesting that Britain had supplied Storm Shadow missiles to Ukraine as a demonstration of support, Zakharova said London’s actions were escalating the conflict.
While US President Donald Trump hesitated to supply American Tomahawks, Zakharova claimed that London has consistently worked to obstruct peace efforts since the start of the conflict.
“Therefore, the positions of Britain and official London in this case have not changed in any way. We understand perfectly well what they are doing. They are escalating the conflict. That’s all they need in the context of Ukraine,” she said.
Also Read: Putin Suffers Another Loss After Ukraine Hit Russian Black Sea Port Tuapse
Retaliation Plan Against UK
Russia threatened to target British military facilities and announced plans for drills simulating the use of battlefield nuclear weapons, amid rising tensions hinting at deeper involvement in the war in Ukraine.
Moscow warned that Ukrainian attacks using UK-supplied weapons on Russian territory could trigger retaliatory strikes against British military sites and equipment, either in Ukraine or elsewhere.
The warnings came ahead of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s inauguration for a fifth term and during a week in which Russia will observe Victory.
Also Read: UK to Rally Western Allies Behind Increased Missile Support for Ukraine
UK supplying Weapons to Ukraine
Since the start of the Russia-Ukraine war, the UK has announced and delivered numerous military aid packages to Ukraine.
Some include:
1.Thousands, or possibly tens of thousands, of anti-tank missiles, including NLAWs and Javelins, along with 600 Brimstone anti-tank missiles (the latter announced in February 2023).
2.Thousands of air-defence and surface-to-air missiles, including Starstreaks, as well as AMRAAM missiles designed to intercept cruise missiles, intended for use with US-supplied NASAMS (National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile Systems).
3.Five Starstreak air-defence systems, accompanied by several Stormer armoured vehicles equipped with Starstreak launchers (unclear if these are part of the original five systems delivered or additional units).
4.125 anti-aircraft guns.
5.Hundreds of armoured fighting vehicles, including Bulldog vehicles.
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