UK Ambassador in Ukraine: Russia shows no sign of seeking just peace

The United Kingdom remains committed to supporting Ukraine until a “just and lasting” peace is achieved, but Russia currently shows no indication of seeking such a resolution, British Ambassador Martin Harris told RBK-Ukraine in an interview.

The discussion of negotiated peace in Ukraine gained prominence as the war approached its third year, with mounting pressure on both military and economic resources globally. The topic has become particularly relevant ahead of the 2024 US presidential election.

“Unfortunately, Russia continues its aggression against Ukraine. Russia gives no signal regarding a just peace,” Harris said, emphasizing that diplomatic and military measures must work in tandem to support Ukraine’s peace initiatives.

Harris said the UK has announced a new £2.26 billion ($3 billion) loan to Ukraine, secured by frozen Russian assets.

The funds will reportedly be directed toward Ukraine’s military air defense and artillery budget.

According to Harris, Britain is actively supporting President Zelenskyy’s victory plan, particularly ahead of the upcoming change in the US administration.

“We want Ukraine to be in a strong position by that time, both militarily and diplomatically, as well as economically,” the ambassador said.

Harris repeatedly emphasized the importance of Ukraine’s NATO membership, saying that “not only will Ukraine be in NATO, but NATO will be stronger with Ukraine.” However, he declined to speculate on the possibility of “hybrid” NATO membership arrangements.

The UK is negotiating a new 100-year partnership agreement with Ukraine, extending beyond military cooperation to include culture, technology, education, and economic spheres.

The British Foreign Secretary started 100-year partnership talks during his visit to Kyiv in May. The two countries discussed military supplies and the transfer of Russia’s frozen assets to Kyiv.

A 100-year partnership – a new agreement on relations between the two countries across the spectrum of trade, security and defense cooperation, science and tech, education, culture, and much more. That earlier agreement was the first in a series of implementing commitments made in 2023 at the NATO Vilnius summit by Ukraine, G7 members, and other nations.

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