Ukraine can force Russia back to negotiations — but how? UK ambassador explains
UK Ambassador to Ukraine Neil Crompton (photo: RBC-Ukraine)
Ukraine should show "strategic patience" to wait for the right moment and persuade Russia to resume peace talks, UK Ambassador to Ukraine Neil Crompton said in an interview with RBC-Ukraine.
Ukraine has an advantage in the war
"Diplomats, we use the phrase 'strategic patience.' Sadly, it's a war of attrition on the battlefield, and I think it's also sort of a competition between the two military-industrial complexes. The Ukrainian defense-industrial sector has made astonishing advances in the last year, both in the type of weaponry, innovation, and costs, but also in the numbers," Crompton stressed.
He also predicted that Ukraine would manage to produce 10 million drones this year.
According to the UK ambassador, this is indeed a qualitative advantage over Russia. In addition, the diplomat recalled that Kyiv has several other strong cards to play — democracy and people who think innovatively.
"It's not a static system. You have clever people who work and kick ideas around and do things differently. So I think you have to keep going. We have seen no indication that President Putin yet wants to change strategy," Crompton stressed.
Changes in Russia have already begun
Despite this, the diplomat also noted that certain changes are already taking place in the aggressor country. For example, more and more Russians are concerned about the cost of the war.
"Mothers are worried that their sons may be mobilized. And as a strategy, you have to start somewhere. Putin is not elected, so he doesn't care about opinion polls in the way that a democratic leader like President Zelenskyy or your ministers have to," the UK ambassador added.
Ukraine must increase pressure on Russia
Crompton also recalled a recent statement by US President Donald Trump. As is known, Trump spoke about a change in the dynamics on the battlefield. According to the diplomat, this will be one of the factors.
"So I think Ukraine, I'm sure they will, display strategic patience, show resolve, and with the support of allies, keep up the pressure, so we hope we can get to the point," Crompton stressed.
In his view, it is extremely important to hold negotiations while also increasing military pressure on Russia.
"And I think you've (Ukrainians — ed.) been very effective in that this year," the UK ambassador concluded.
