DID Press: Andrey Kelin, Russia’s ambassador to the United Kingdom, says Moscow has no intention of attacking Europe or Britain, arguing that any future escalation would result only from decisions taken by Western governments.
In an interview with the Vesti program, Kelin said Russia has “no intention, no plans, and no reason” to attack Europe, wage war against the continent, or target the United Kingdom. He added that any escalation would occur only “at the initiative of the West.”
The Russian envoy also claimed that Western governments have exaggerated the threat posed by Russia to justify increasing defense spending and reviving military industries that he said have experienced declining activity in recent decades.
Kelin further alleged that a significant portion of the funds allocated by the European Union and the United Kingdom for military preparedness against Russia and military assistance to Ukraine would ultimately be lost to corruption.
The remarks come amid continued tensions between Russia and Western countries over the war in Ukraine and broader European security.