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After the resonant statement by the British Ambassador to the United States, Lord Peter Mandelson, that Ukraine should be the first to commit to a ceasefire with Russia, the British government was quick to assure that this position does not reflect the country’s official policy. This was stated by Luke Pollard, the UK Secretary of State for the Armed Forces, on Sky News.
“This is not the government’s policy,” Pollard said when asked about Mandelson’s words.
He stressed that London continues to consult with European, American and Ukrainian partners on the possible terms of a peace agreement, but that any solution must guarantee a long-term and stable peace.
“We don’t want a short pause that allows Russia to regroup and invade Ukraine again,” Pollard said.
Lord Mandelson made his statement the day before, commenting on the tense meeting in Washington between Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelenskyy. After a public spat in the Oval Office, the Ukrainian delegation ended its visit to the US ahead of schedule.
According to Mandelson, Ukraine should “set an example” and be the first to declare a ceasefire, which could allegedly force Russia to do the same.
This position provoked a mixed reaction, in part because of Mandelson’s controversial political background, who had previously criticised the Labour Party’s policies and called Donald Trump “almost a white nationalist and racist”. However, after being appointed as ambassador, he retracted these words, recognising them as “unfounded”.
Meanwhile, official London emphasises that no peace agreement on Ukraine can be successful without the participation of the United States and the support of European partners, as well as without guarantees that will prevent Russia from taking advantage of the truce to prepare a new offensive.
