The UK has hit back atchilling Russian “threats”with a steadfast warning that it “will not be deterred” in supporting Ukraine. The Kremlin has been widely condemned forits brutal, illegal invasionby member nations of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), which works to protect security in the region.
Russiahas, in turn, blamed the West for escalating and exaggerating tensions, lashing out with its own terrifying warnings to OSCE nations about getting more deeply involved inthe four-year conflict. But at the OSCE in Vienna on Thursday, UK ambassador Neil Holland denounced Russia’s bullying strong-arm tactics with a blunt four-word riposte: “It will not work.” He hit out at Russia’s “disregard for agreed rules” and said Moscow’s chilling warning “reflects a familiar attempt to intimidate and deter those who supportUkraine’s right to defend itself against an illegal and unprovoked invasion”.
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The head of the UK’s delegation to the OSCE added: “The Russian state characterises international support forUkraine’s defenceagainst its deadly attacks as an escalation of the conflict – a claim that is unfounded and aimed at deflecting from its own actions.
“Our support for Ukraine, and readiness to defend ourselves, is lawful and necessary in response toRussia’s continued aggression.
“The UK will not be deterred. The UKwill continue to provide the military assistanceUkraine needs, for as long as it needs it.”
Deadly strikes on Ukraine reached a wartime high last month, with an average of more than 200 drones being launched by Russia per day.
A massivedrone and missile barragekilled at least 16 people and injured more than 100 in cities across Ukraine on April 16.
Mr Holland has described the repeated Russian attacks as “contempt for international law” and “civilian life”.
The UK has provided vital military support to Ukraine since theoutbreak of the war in 2022, regularly sending valuable equipment and helping to train soldiers.
Source: Daily Express :: World Feed
