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Russian diplomat slams UK’s decision not to invite Russia to Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral

The British authorities’ decision is deeply immoral, Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said

MOSCOW, September 15. /TASS/. The British authorities’ decision not to invite Russia to Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral is deeply immoral, Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said in a statement on Thursday.

"The British Foreign Office informed the Russian embassy in London of its decision to refrain from inviting Russia, including senior embassy officials, to attend mourning ceremonies following the death of Queen Elizabeth II," the statement reads. "We believe that the UK’s attempt to take advantage of a national tragedy that touched the hearts of millions of people around the world in order to settle scores with us during the days of mourning is deeply immoral," Zakharova added.

Still, Russia is sending heartfelt condolences to the British people over their great loss, Zakharova said.

According to her, London cited Russia’s special military operation in Ukraine to explain its move, which was "particularly cynical" because then-Princess Elizabeth joined the Auxiliary Territorial Service during World War II as the British army "fought against the Nazis and their Ukrainian collaborators Stepan Bandera and Roman Shukhevich." "And now, British elites are on their side. However, Moscow continues to honor the memory of all veterans who contributed to the Victory," the Russian diplomat added.

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Foreign policy United Kingdom Maria Zakharova

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