British Foreign Secretary rejects talks with Putin

British Foreign Secretary rejects idea of resuming direct talks with Putin

Minister for Foreign Affairs of the United Kingdom Yvette Cooper did not support the initiative of the leaders of France and Italy to resume direct talks with the Russian president Vladimir Putin.

She said this when commenting on the discussion within Europe about possible diplomatic contacts with the Kremlin.

London's position

«I think we need evidence that Putin really wants peace, and I don't see it now,» she said. Yvette Cooper.

According to her, in the absence of real signals of Russia's readiness to end the war, any attempts to resume negotiations are premature and could be used by Moscow to its advantage.

A call for more pressure

The British Foreign Secretary stressed that in the current circumstances, the international community must act decisively and consistently.

«The pressure on Moscow should be strengthen, not weaken - through sanctions and continued military support for Ukraine,» she said.

European divisions

Cooper's statement came amid proposals from France and Italy to intensify diplomatic contacts with the Kremlin. At the same time, the UK's position remains firm and fully synchronised with Kyiv's approach, which insists that negotiations are possible only if Russia takes real steps towards peace.

Context.

After the latest massive missile attacks on Ukraine and the lack of any concessions from Moscow, more and more Western countries are inclined to believe that sanctions and military pressure remain the only effective tool to deter russia.

The United Kingdom is one of Ukraine's key allies and has consistently advocated for continued and expanded assistance to Kyiv.