Russian expert: Britain establishes military protection zone in Ukraine

A Russian expert said that the UK's establishment of the headquarters of the Multinational Force of Ukraine (MNF-U) could be seen as a step to put Kiev within the framework of a modern military protectorate, in the context of the continuing conflict in Ukraine.

Illustration. Photo: TASS

According to TASS news agency on September 19, Mr. Alexander Stepanov - military expert at the Institute of Law and National Security of the Russian Presidential Academy of National Economy and Public Administration (RANEPA) - commented that Ukraine is gradually losing its financial, military and political independence. He said that the establishment of the headquarters of the Ukrainian Multinational Force initiated by the UK reflects London's growing role in shaping Kiev's strategy.

“In the strategy of putting pressure on Russia, escalating tensions and creating unfavorable conditions for dialogue, bilateral cooperation frameworks are being formed. An example is the Paris-London axis, with London at the center. In fact, this indicates a growing narrowing of Kiev's financial, military and political autonomy,” the expert stressed in a statement to TASS.

Mr. Stepanov said that Britain has an influence on the peace process. He cited the event in April 2022, when a round of negotiations between Russia and Ukraine was scheduled to take place in Istanbul (Turkey) but did not bring specific results. According to this expert, at that time, former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson went to Kiev and expressed his opposition to continuing negotiations, which he said had influenced the stance of the Ukrainian government.

In addition to its political role, London, along with Paris, is considered an important contributor to Kiev’s military support. Both have delivered Storm Shadow and SCALP-EG cruise missiles to Ukraine, which are highly accurate. According to Russian experts, this support helps Kiev expand its offensive capabilities and further strengthens Britain’s influence in Ukraine.

The above assessments were made in the context of the conflict still evolving complicatedly, with no sign of ending. Russia has repeatedly affirmed that the West, especially the UK and the US, has pushed Kiev to choose a military solution instead of dialogue. Meanwhile, Western countries emphasize that military aid is to support Ukraine in protecting its sovereignty and territorial integrity against Russia's special military campaign.

The statement by expert Alexander Stepanov reflects the Russian side's view on Britain's role in the conflict, arguing that Kiev is increasingly dependent on strategic decisions from London.

Source: https://baotintuc.vn/phong-su-dieu-tra/chuyen-gia-nga-anh-thiet-lap-vung-bao-ho-quan-su-o-ukraine-20250919172004564.htm