After several days of silence, Russia has complained loudly about London’s decision not to invite a Russian representative to Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral. The British government is “trying to use the national tragedy that has touched the hearts of millions of people around the world for geopolitical purposes, to settle scores with our country,” said Maria Zakharova, spokeswoman for Russia’s Foreign Ministry, on Thursday.
This attempt is “highly immoral” and “blasphemous” because it damages the memory of Elizabeth II, Zakharova criticized. She accused London of using the Russian military operation in Ukraine as a “pretext” to exclude Russia from the memorial.
Russia, Belarus, North Korea and Myanmar not wanted
Elizabeth II died last Thursday at the age of 96 at her Scottish residence in Balmoral. The Queen’s funeral service with state guests from around the world will take place on Monday at Westminster Abbey in London. Invited guests include more than a hundred kings, queens and other heads of state. Russia, Belarus, North Korea and Myanmar have not been invited.
Ice Age since the fall of Skripal
Relations between Russia and Britain have been tense for years. In particular, the poisoning of former Russian double agent Sergei Skripal and his daughter in England in 2018 caused conflict.
Source: Krone
I’m Wayne Wickman, a professional journalist and author for Today Times Live. My specialty is covering global news and current events, offering readers a unique perspective on the world’s most pressing issues. I’m passionate about storytelling and helping people stay informed on the goings-on of our planet.
