Embassy comment on UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s anti-Russian statements

As negotiations commenced in Istanbul, the UK leadership launched yet another barrage of anti-Russian allegations regarding the crisis in Ukraine. This is a textbook example of propaganda, wherein the true state of affairs is shamelessly turned on its head.

Downing Street’s tired accusations against Russia — alleging an intention to prolong the conflict and obstruct the peace process — today sound particularly hypocritical. It is well known that London went to great lengths to first undermine the negotiation process in 2022 and later to keep the conflict aflame.

Britain has been a chief architect of the West’s escalatory tactics, ranging from supplying Ukraine’s military with offensive weapons to using Western long-range missiles against civilians deep inside Russian territory.

The claim that the Russian leadership is “dodging US arranged peace talks” in Istanbul is blatantly false. One may recall that it was Russia’s President who proposed holding Russia-Ukraine talks in Turkey on 15 May. Thus, the so-called “Istanbul format”, which was derailed in 2022 by none other than the then British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, has been revived. Russia’s commitment to a serious dialogue, aimed at addressing the root causes of the conflict and establishing a lasting and durable peace, has been demonstrated in practice.

Claims that Moscow “has failed to substantively respond” to calls for a ceasefire do not hold water. In fact, it is the Ukrainian side that has repeatedly sabotaged Russia’s specific peace initiatives. The Kiev regime flagrantly violated the 30-day moratorium on strikes against energy facilities, imposed from 18 March to 17 April — a measure agreed upon by the Presidents of Russia and the United States. Ceasefires initiated by Russia on Easter and Victory Day were likewise ignored.

Equally perplexing is the British Prime Minister’s rushed statement that Russia’s position at the Istanbul talks is “unacceptable” and that a response is being prepared. Unacceptable to whom, exactly? Last time we checked, it was not Britain we were negotiating with.

Finally, London's latest attempts to intimidate our country by threatening new unlawful restrictions should Russia fail to “comply” are worthless. The most recent sanctions, disgracefully announced on 9 May — the most sacred date for Russia — have only served to further erode trust in the UK government’s commitment to the shared legacy of the Allies' fight against Nazism. Similar ultimatums issued in the midst of negotiations appear to be designed to hinder or sabotage the settlement. However, it seems that Downing Street does not realise how self-revealing its actions are.

It is high time for London to decide whether it wants to remain a party of war.