Russian authorities slashed British accusations of Moscow wanting to “install a pro-Russian leader in Kyiv“, tagging the claims as “disinformation”. The back and forth comes as Russia has increased mobilisation of its forces along the Ukrainian borders.

While fears of Russia-led invasion grow, Moscow urged United Kingdom’s government to “stop spreading nonsense.” Russia’s foreign ministry also connected the accusations to the NATO military alliance.

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The ministry wrote in a tweet, “Disinformation circulated by @FCDOGovUK is yet another indication that it is the @NATO Members led by the Anglo-Saxon nations who are escalating tensions around #Ukraine.”

British officials said that Ukrainian politicians have established and maintained links with Russian intelligence officials. The accusations also tied former MP MP Yevgen Murayev to the alleged motive, tagging him as a potential leader for Kyiv.

The Foreign Office of the United Kingdom, without releasing any evidence, alleged that the Russian intelligence officers who were in contact with Kyi were “currently involved in the planning for an attack on Ukraine”, according to reports from AFP.

Foreign Secretary Liz Truss said the information “shines a light on the extent of Russian activity designed to subvert Ukraine, and is an insight into Kremlin thinking.”

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Truss urged Russia to “de-escalate, end its campaigns of aggression and disinformation, and pursue a path of diplomacy,” and reiterated Britain’s view that “any Russian military incursion into Ukraine would be a massive strategic mistake with severe costs”, according to reports from Associated Press.

Amid diplomatic efforts to defuse the crisis, British Defense Secretary Ben Wallace is expected to meet Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu for talks in Moscow. No timing has been given for the meeting, which would be the first UK-Russia bilateral defense talks since 2013.

(With AP inputs)