THE SQUIZ
Not literally… We’re talking about yesterday’s explosive claims made by the UK Government that Russia is scheming to install a pro-Moscow government in Ukraine with former MP Yevhen Murayev in line to become the country’s new leader. The UK also named 4 former associates of ousted pro-Russia Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych who are in contact with Russian intelligence. They were senior officials turfed out in Ukraine’s popular uprising in 2014 that ushered in a Western-friendly government. The UK claims it’s all part of Russia’s push for power over Ukraine.

WHAT ARE THE BRITS PLAYING AT?
The thinking is Russia might try to overthrow Ukraine’s government via sneaky tactics – and this is the UK Government’s attempt to expose them. “Calling it out takes away the element of surprise and also reduces the chances of Russia succeeding if they actually attempt it,” an unnamed official said. “When the Russians attempt this and say, ‘This is an independent Ukrainian political movement,’ we can say, ‘No, that’s not true, this is the work of your intelligence apparatus which we’ve been warning about.’” Someone putting their name to it is UK Foreign Minister Liz Truss (who was in Oz for security talks). She says the plot “shines a light on the extent of Russian activity designed to subvert Ukraine”. Both Russia and Murayev say it’s a fantasy.

SO WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?
More talks… Representatives from Russia, Ukraine, France and Germany will meet in Paris this week. That’s on top of ongoing discussions between senior US and Russian officials. The ball is in America’s court – Russia says it will receive a written response to its demands this week, although the US has a different spin on that… Secretary of State Antony Blinken said they will share their “concerns and ideas”. One event that serves as a bit of a deadline is the Winter Olympics in Beijing. Presidents Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin are besties, and the Russian is set to attend the opening ceremony on 4 February. It’s speculated that Xi has asked Putin to cool his jets until the Games are over.