Media Citation
Russia Accuses UK of Sabotage Plans With US in 'NATO Lake' | Newsweek
Source: Newsweek | 16 June 2025
Russia has accused the U.K. of working with Ukraine in a plan to stage provocations involving a U.S. ship in the Baltic Sea.
In a statement on Monday, Russia's foreign intelligence service (SVR) said it knew of a plot to escalate the conflict in Ukraine with an operation in what is termed a "NATO Lake" due to its location surrounded by alliance members.
The statement provided no evidence for its claims, and Moscow is often accused of pushing misinformation as a cover for its own activities.
A spokesperson for the U.K. Foreign Office told Newsweek that the statement was "just the latest in a string of outrageous Russian accusations that seek to deflect from their failings in Ukraine."
Nichita Gurcov, senior analyst for Europe & Central Asia with ACLED (Armed Conflict Location & Event Data), told Newsweek that suspected Russian destabilization activities appear to be picking up again across Europe following a lull earlier in 2025.
