UK calls on Russia to agree to full ceasefire 'without further delays'
Vladimir Putin was urged to agree to an immediate ceasefire with Ukraine (photo: Getty Images)
The UK has urged the Kremlin to promptly agree to an unconditional ceasefire with Ukraine. London's proposal came following negotiations in Riyadh between Ukraine, Russia, and the US regarding a truce in the Black Sea and a commitment to refrain from strikes on energy infrastructure, according to the British government.
"We are in close contact with US and Ukraine following the conclusion of talks in Riyadh today," the UK Foreign Office stated.
The ministry emphasized that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has already demonstrated that Ukraine is a party to peace by proposing a full, immediate, and unconditional ceasefire.
In this context, official London expressed hope that Russian President Vladimir Putin would agree to this without further delays.
The UK government also extended its gratitude to the US for their efforts in securing a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine and working toward ending the war.
"We are continuing to work closely with international partners towards a lasting and durable peace," the UK Foreign Office added.
The statement from Downing Street followed remarks from Prime Minister Keir Starmer's office, which expressed hope for progress in diplomatic efforts aimed at achieving a ceasefire and ultimately ending the Russia-Ukraine war.
Issue of a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine
Previously, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy proposed establishing a no-strike zone in the air and at sea as an initial step toward resolving the war with Russia. This idea was supported by the UK and France. However, following a meeting between delegations from Kyiv and Washington in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on March 11, the US side proposed a comprehensive ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia.
Official Kyiv agreed to the proposal, but Moscow did not provide a definitive response. Instead, it began setting various conditions, including halting mobilization in Ukraine and the US ceasing its aid to Ukraine.
Later, US President Donald Trump, after speaking with Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin, claimed that the sides had supposedly agreed to stop strikes on Ukraine's energy infrastructure. However, Russian attacks continued.
Following new negotiations in Saudi Arabia between delegations from Ukraine, the US, and Russia, discussions focused on the details of a possible ceasefire.
Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov stated that Kyiv and Washington held technical consultations on energy infrastructure security and navigation in the Black Sea. He confirmed that an agreement was reached to completely ban strikes on energy infrastructure in both Ukraine and Russia.
Meanwhile, the Kremlin released a statement outlining conditions for a maritime ceasefire with Ukraine, including lifting sanctions on several Russian companies and a bank.
The White House also issued a statement after the talks in Saudi Arabia, but it made no mention of lifting sanctions on Russia.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy later accused Russia of manipulating the ceasefire talks and reneging on commitments to halt strikes on energy infrastructure.
