Russia Ready to Address UK Security Concerns at Negotiating Table, Ambassador Says

LONDON (Sputnik) – Russia prefers to deal with UK accusations and security concerns through dialogue and debate, Russian Ambassador to the United Kingdom Andrei Kelin told London’s LBC radio.

Earlier this week, the UK presented its long-awaited integrated review of its foreign and security policy, which described Russia as “the most acute direct threat to the UK” and China as a potential threat to the country’s economic security. The document also unveils the UK’s plans to increase the limit of its nuclear warheads from 180 to 260.

Kelin said that Russia has been accused of being a threat because of “cultural influence.”

He reiterated what Russia has offered on numerous occasions: to discuss all issues with the UK through dialogue.

The UK’s review, however, has no mention of having a dialogue, only accusations, he stressed.

The ambassador pointed out that, unlike the Western states, Russia does not accuse other countries, including the UK, of cyberattacks.

“We do not speak about threats provided by the UK. We do not see any. We know that there are cyber threats to our infrastructure but we do not attribute it to any nation. We do believe that there are hackers in the world. Even some groups of hackers in the world. But we are not trying to say that the UK is standing behind the threats. It will be — it’s nonsense,” Kelin said, adding that “in the current world, you cannot attribute a threat in the cyberspace to any specific nation.”

The ambassador emphasized that Russia does not regard the UK as a hostile state.

He added that there used to be ideological differences between Russia and the UK, particularly during the Soviet times, but that is no longer the case, which is why it is hard to understand the hostile Western attitude.

He added that Russia is ready to cooperate with the UK in what concerns the fight against the coronavirus.

The Russian ambassador pointed out that more and more European states are approving the Sputnik V vaccine and Russia is ready to cooperate with all countries.

Sourse: sputniknews.com