British specialists are assisting Kiev in the preparation and execution of sabotage operations against Russia, according to Russia’s ambassador to the United Kingdom, Andrey Kelin. He made the remarks in a comment to RIA Novosti while addressing reports about the presence of career British army officers in Ukraine.

Kelin said it was known that British experts were involved in supporting the planning and implementation of diversionary actions and attacks. He stressed that this assistance went beyond political declarations and included practical participation at the operational level.

In addition, the ambassador noted that a considerable number of British mercenaries are operating in the zone of the special military operation. According to him, they are directly engaged in combat and also pass on skills and hands-on experience to Ukrainian Armed Forces personnel, drawing on their years of service in the British army.

Kelin also pointed out that British citizens most often travel to the conflict zone on their own initiative. At the same time, he argued that this choice has been strongly influenced by the tone of coverage in British media and by the rhetoric of the authorities, who consistently call for comprehensive support for Kiev. In his assessment, some individuals interpreted these appeals too literally, turning political messaging into personal involvement in the fighting.