Russia accuses UK of seeking only a battlefield pause, not real peace
2 Min Read
Russia's ambassador in London accused the UK of seeking only a pause in fighting to further militarize Ukraine.
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A Union flag flies near Big Ben in London, Friday, Jan. 31, 2025, on the 5th anniversary after the U.K. officially left the European Union. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)
Russian Ambassador to the United Kingdom Andrei Kelin has accused London of presenting itself as a supporter of peace in Ukraine while actually pursuing a strategy aimed at halting the fighting only long enough to deepen Ukraine's military dependence on NATO.
Speaking to the Rossiya 1 broadcaster, Kelin said that although UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer publicly claims to favor a diplomatic outcome, the British position is far narrower. "I would say that he is saying that he is interested in a peaceful resolution, in terms of … but he is only interested in one thing - stopping military activities in Ukraine, after which they will shape it into a 'steel porcupine.' In other words, bringing the Kiev authorities into such a position that they will agree to nothing, while being supported by their NATO allies," he said.
According to the ambassador, London’s perception of the conflict bears little resemblance to reality. He said the British leadership is “living in a world of illusions” and that Western governments continue to repeat the same formula of exerting pressure on Moscow while supplying Ukraine with weapons. This policy, he argued, ignores Ukraine's core challenge: not shortages of equipment, but insufficient personnel for its armed forces.
Diplomacy Intensifies Ahead
Kelin’s remarks come at a moment of intensified diplomatic activity involving Washington, Moscow, and Kiev. Over the weekend, US and Ukrainian officials met in Geneva to adjust a US-drafted proposal intended to map out a possible settlement. The document, originally 28 points, was reduced to 19 during the discussions.
Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump announced that his special envoy, Steve Witkoff, is scheduled to travel to Moscow for talks with President Vladimir Putin, adding that Jared Kushner may take part. The Kremlin confirmed it expects the visit to include substantive engagement. Dmitry Peskov said Moscow is preparing for Witkoff’s “detailed contacts with Putin.”
Russian President Vladimir Putin has already indicated that Trump’s initial 28-point plan could serve as a framework for a future agreement.
Read more: Trump drops back on Ukraine peace deadline ahead of US-Russia meeting
