Moscow's ambassador to London has said the UK is waging a proxy war against Russia, while predicting the "end of Ukraine" as Russian invading forces make deeper advances into the country.
In an interview with the BBC, Andrei Kelin said Ukraine continued to fight but claimed: "The resistance is more feeble and feeble."
Russian troops, he said, were gaining more terrain every day, adding: "The end of this phase will mean the end of Ukraine." Russia is thought to control about 18% of Ukraine and has been making slow but steady advances over the last year.
Kelin also described the conflict as "a proxy war led by the United Kingdom's government" which by providing weapons is "killing Russian soldiers and civilians".
The comments came as Ukraine's president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, renewed his appeal to western countries for air-defence systems, after Russian missile strikes on the central city of Kryvyi Rih late on Saturday wounded 17 people, according to Ukrainian officials.
Ukraine is losing its territory in the eastern Donbas region to Russia's invading forces, while coming under sustained bombardment, but has yet to convince western allies to provide it with long-range missiles to strike Russian military targets.
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der October 21, 2024-Ausgabe von The Guardian.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent ? Anmelden
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der October 21, 2024-Ausgabe von The Guardian.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent? Anmelden
I did not mean to make light of self-harm, says Guardiola
Pep Guardiola has said he did not intend to \"make light of the very serious issue of self-harm\" when he answered a question relating to a cut he made on his nose during Manchester City's 3-3 draw with Feyenoord.
Maeda saves point for Celtic after costly error by Carter-Vickers
There were spells in this game when Club Brugge resembled a reincarnation of 1970 Brazil. As Cameron Carter-Vickers bundled home an embarrassing own goal to send the Belgians in front, it looked a matter of how many they would choose to score.
Amorim: Rashford has to 'really want' to find form
Ruben Amorim believes Marcus Rashford has to \"really want it\" if the forward is to recapture his 30-goal Manchester United form of two seasons ago.
Mac Allister kickstarts Liverpool party to keep up perfect record
Arne Slot's Liverpool reboot has its latest dividend. His team continues to boast the only 100% record in the Champions League group stage and this was not just another victory, it was a swatting aside of the holders, a statement of intent.
Martínez reactions hold up Juve before Rogers denied at the last
Three minutes of second-half stoppage time had been and gone when Morgan Rogers thought he had snatched victory with surely the final kick.
FA investigates claims Coote discussed giving booking
The Football Association is investigating allegations that the referee David Coote discussed giving a yellow card before a game.
To see the impact the club has, it's really extraordinary
As they gear up for a famous night at Old Trafford, this is how Bodø/Glimt became one of Europe's big success stories
Australia's mission: how to dismantle Bumrah's genius
India's supreme fast bowler destroyed top order in Perth and hosts have little time to avoid a second Test repeat
Van Nistelrooy set for Leicester as Coventry close in on Lampard
Ruud van Nistelrooy is poised to become the new Leicester manager, making an almost immediate return to the Premier League after leaving Manchester United.
Williamson's return leaves no room for in-form Young
A green surface at Hagley Oval - scene of the first Test that was due to start last night - meant New Zealand made changes from the seismic 3-0 series win in India.
