Russia slams UK's plea to potential defectors; 'You destroy those who trust, believe you'

Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova has lashed out at United Kingdom's recent appeal to potential defectors, accusing London of betraying and "destroying" Russian spies who seek refuge on or side. According to a report from Russia Today, Zakharova's response came after British Secret Intelligence Service (MI6) Director Sir Richard Moore me a public statement, inviting Russians who wish to break away from ir government to seek refuge in UK.

During a speech at UK embassy in Prague, Moore drew parallels between ongoing conflict in Ukraine and Soviet intervention in Czechoslovakia in 1968. He urged Russians facing moral dilemmas to follow in footsteps of ir predecessors and join hands with MI6. Moore assured potential defectors that UK would treat m with discretion and professionalism, pledging to keep ir secrets safe while working toger to bring an end to bloodshed in Ukraine.

Moore also suggested that Ukraine h upper hand 

Referring to historical events, Moore claimed that during 1968 crisis, many Russians reached out to MI6 as "partners for freedom," fearing y would be on "wrong side of history." He also expressed confidence that Ukraine was gaining an upper hand on battlefield, while suggesting that Russian forces were losing momentum.

What was Russia's response?

However, Zakharova, in a scathing response on Telegram, dismissed Moore's claims, asserting that UK would t be making a fuss if Ukraine h upper hand. She questioned credibility of Moore's promises of "open doors and keeping secrets," reminding him of widely scrutinized Skripal case, where she accused UK of failing to protect those who placed ir trust in British authorities.

“As for ‘open doors and keeping secrets,’ people might have believed you if you h presented Skripals,” she ded. “You’re usually first to destroy those who trust or believe you.”

exchange of words highlights escalating tensions between Russia and UK amid ongoing Ukraine conflict. Moore's invitation to potential defectors and Zakharova's subsequent response furr underscore complexities and sensitivities surrounding espion and diplomatic relations between two nations. As situation continues to evolve, it remains to be seen how both countries will navigate se delicate issues, while conflict in Ukraine continues to have far-reaching implications on international st.