Mr Medvedev warned that Britain sending troops to Ukraine would be declaring war on Russia.

“How will the Western public react to the British delegation being attacked with cluster bombs in the center of Kiev, as happened to civilians in our Belgorod?” - Deputy Chairman of the Russian Security Council warned on Telegram on January 12.

Mr Medvedev expressed hope that the British government would understand that "the deployment of military forces to Ukraine would be a declaration of war against Russia".

On January 12, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak made a surprise visit to Kiev and signed a bilateral security agreement. According to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, "Britain's obligations under this agreement will remain in effect until Ukraine joins NATO."

The agreement covers intelligence sharing, cooperation in cyber security, training of doctors and military personnel, and cooperation in the defense industry. It also obliges Britain to “consult with Ukraine” in the event of another conflict with Russia, and to provide Kiev with “rapid and sustained support” on defense issues.

In Kiev, British Prime Minister Shinak announced a new military aid package worth more than $3 billion for Ukraine over the next year. The new aid package includes long-range missiles, anti-tank weapons and artillery shells. Prime Minister Shinak also promised to deliver Ukraine the largest ever batch of drones.

Political scientists believe that the security agreement between London and Kiev is just a PR campaign, and only proves that the West wants Ukraine to "heat up". Political scientist Ivan Mezyukho analyzed that in the context of Ukraine's lack of both heavy and light weapons, signing a new shipment of tanks and ammunition would reassure Ukrainian society. In addition, according to Mezyukho, signing an agreement would be easier than immediately providing Ukraine with Abrams tanks, or F-16 fighter jets, as well as enough ammunition./.