U.S., France, Britain reject any Russian pretext for escalation - joint statement

The text of the joint statement was published on the website of the U.S. Department of State, Ukrinform reports.

"We, the Foreign Ministers of France, the United Kingdom, and the United States, reiterate our steadfast support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity in the face of Russia’s ongoing aggression. We remain committed to continue supporting Ukraine’s efforts to defend its territory for as long as it takes," the statement emphasizes.

At the same time, it is noted that the heads of defense agencies of the three states previously spoke with Russian defense chief Sergei Shoigu, at the latter’s request.

The statement also says all three countries expressed a single position, namely that they "reject Russia’s transparently false allegations that Ukraine is preparing to use a dirty bomb on its own territory."

In addition, the Western nations have warned the Russian Federation that they will expose any attempt by the Kremlin to use these accusations as a pretext for escalation.

"We further reject any pretext for escalation by Russia," the joint statement underlines.

As Ukrinform reported earlier, on Sunday the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, Dmytro Kuleba, discussed with the head of the U.S. State Department Antony Blinken the false narratives, spread by the Russian Federation, about the "dirty bomb" plot, as well as the supply of air defense equipment to Ukraine.