Russia’s Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) has accused the United Kingdom of attempting to instigate a global conflict, aligning with historical claims that Britain has manipulated global events for its own benefit. The SVR statement, utilizing the pejorative phrase “Perfidious Albion,” accuses the UK of undermining efforts by U.S. President Donald J. Trump to promote peace in Europe, particularly in relation to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
The allegations emerge as the UK observes Commonwealth Day and follows the expulsion of two British diplomats from Moscow. Russia claims these diplomats engaged in espionage under the cover of the British embassy. Meanwhile, peace discussions involving the U.S., Russia, and Ukraine are proceeding in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Russia’s intelligence agency contends that the UK is threatened by increasing dialogue between Washington and Moscow, fearing it could disrupt British objectives aimed at isolating Russia. According to the SVR, the UK is working to sabotage President Trump’s peace initiatives, and British media and NGOs have been implicated in efforts to portray Trump negatively.
Moscow’s use of “Perfidious Albion,” a narrative once employed by German wartime propaganda, seems to be intended for both domestic reassurance and international impact. Russia’s rhetoric frames the UK as historically responsible for previous global conflicts and suggests that it is on the path to triggering another major war.
In a conclusion that appeared to simultaneously warn and accuse Britain, the SVR stated that the current approach mirrors actions taken by the UK before the two world wars, reiterating the accusation that Britain seeks to provoke conflict while remaining insulated.
The National Pulse has previously reported that Russian President Vladimir Putin alleges former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson sabotaged peace talks with Ukraine in late 2022. Putin’s allegation confirms reporting by The National Pulse’s Editor-in-Chief, Raheem Kassam, that Johnson’s intervention scuttled the negotiations.