Photo: gov.uk
Moscow continues to stall instead of agreeing to the proposed 30-day ceasefire, and its statements about the “root causes of the conflict” are a form of denial of Ukraine’s independence. This was stated by the UK Permanent Representative to the OSCE, Neil Holland, during a meeting in Vienna, Ukrinform reports.
“Russia does not demonstrate a genuine readiness for peace. Its position is a code for maximalist demands that deny Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity,” Holland said.
According to him, Ukraine and its partners – the UK, the US, and the EU – offered Moscow a 30-day unconditional ceasefire as a start for real negotiations. However, Russia ignored this chance.
“Instead of peace, we have another delay. Instead of a ceasefire, we have demands that destroy the essence of international law,” the British representative added.
The diplomat also stressed that the Kremlin uses pseudo-humanitarian “silence regimes”, such as on 9 May or Easter, for its own propaganda, continuing to shell. According to Ukraine, more than 700 violations by the Russian Federation were recorded in just one afternoon last week.
Against the backdrop of the Istanbul talks, the UK is calling on Russia to “finally act in good faith” and join the efforts of the US and Turkey. However, according to Hollande, Putin has already refused to personally participate in talks with President Zelenskyy, despite Kyiv’s readiness to talk.
“We will not leave Ukraine alone. If the Kremlin does not change its position, we will impose additional sanctions,” the British representative warned.
