London accuses Russia of 'long campaign of lies'

By Ahmet Gurhan Kartal

LONDON (AA) - Britain on Friday accused Russia of "conducting a long campaign of lies" while planning to launch a military intervention in Ukraine.

The Kremlin's "breach of international law" will cause suffering in great measure, stressed a statement from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO).

Citing a series of official Russian statements made before Moscow's military operation on Ukraine, the foreign office said: "The Kremlin has conducted a long campaign of lies while planning a war of choice in Europe."

"This breach of international law will lead to enormous suffering and is yet another example of the Russian leadership's disregard for democracy and human life."

The Russian statements and British FCDO's responses shared on Twitter are:

"On 14 February, Russian Foreign Minister (Sergey) Lavrov said: 'Russia is not threatening anyone and doesn't want war.'

"But three days later Russia staged a false flag attack on a nursery in eastern Ukraine."

"On 17 February, at the United Nations Security Council Deputy Foreign Minister (Sergey) Vershinin complained that Western countries were making 'unsubstantiated allegations that Russia is allegedly going to attack Ukraine.'

"But independent sources confirmed Russian troop numbers continued to grow from 130,000 to 200,000 on the Ukrainian border in the following days, preparing to invade."

"On 21 February, at the Kremlin Security Council meeting, President (Vladimir) Putin said: 'Russia is making efforts to resolve the matters peacefully.'"

"But three days later on 24 February President Putin announced military operations in Ukraine, saying: 'There should be no doubt for anyone that any potential aggressor will face defeat and ominous consequences should it directly attack our country.'"

The statement also said that President Putin carried out an "appalling, unprovoked and pre-meditated invasion of Ukraine."

"The world can see through the Kremlin's lies and will hold them to account."

"Russia's attack is an egregious violation of international law and will lead to untold and unnecessary human suffering," it said, reiterating the UK's support for Ukrainians.

A later statement from the British government said they would imminently sanction President Putin and Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, in addition to sanctions that had already been introduced.