PARIAH state Russia disgustingly accused the UK of carrying out terrorism following the tragic death of a Brit paratrooper in Ukraine.
The Kremlin has demanded to know exactly what the British soldier was doing when he was killed in Ukraine, in a warped statement suggesting London was helping Kyiv carry out “acts of terrorism”.
Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova demanded on Thursday that Britain disclose what Lance Corporal George Hooley was really doing when he died in Ukraine.
Britain’s Ministry of Defence said the 28-year-old tragically died while observing Ukrainian forces test a new defensive capability away from the frontline.
But Zakharova said the British government “should not deceive its citizens” by claiming that British soldiers sent to Ukraine were mere advisers or instructors, accusing British forces of helping Kyiv “carry out terrorist attacks and extremist tasks” on London’s direct orders.
Zakharova said Russia would regard any foreign military contingents in Ukraine as legitimate targets but did not set out evidence to back up her accusations of alleged wider UK involvement.
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The British paratrooper and elite special forces soldier was mortally wounded on Saturday while watching a drone-related Ukrainian defence test, Defence Secretary John Healey told The Sun’s Harry Cole Saves the West.
He sadly died from his wounds on Tuesday.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said today: “They’re fantasising about sending their troops to Ukraine as peacekeepers.
“For us, these so-called peacekeepers will immediately become legitimate targets.
“We must understand this.
“We’ve already been forced to acknowledge the direct participation of British troops and special forces in the war against Russia.
“After one of them died, and the British government could no longer conceal these circumstances, it was announced that no less than 100 British citizens are among those fighting against the Russian Federation.
“Of course, we will draw all the necessary conclusions from this latest manifestation of the true nature of the British regime.”
The Sun revealed Hooley was serving with the Special Forces Support Group, which is drawn from the 1st Battalion, Parachute Regiment, and based in St Athan, Wales.
Their roles include supporting the SAS and SBS on missions.
Experts feared Moscow would likely exploit the tragedy to falsely claim that Nato has been directly fighting against Russia.
Tributes have been pouring in for the “extraordinary” soldier, led by the Prime Minister, with comrades hailing his “energy and enthusiasm”.
At PMQs, Sir Keir said: “Lance Corporal Hooley was injured in a tragic accident away from the front lines while observing Ukrainian forces testing a new defensive capability.
“His life was full of courage and determination. He served our country with honour and distinction around the world in the cause of freedom and democracy, including as part of the small number of British personnel in Ukraine.”
Hooley’s company commander hailed Hooley as a “born soldier” who had served in Afghanistan, Africa, and Eastern Europe.