UK Government Cautions Against Expecting Quick Peace Deal for Ukraine Amidst Diplomatic Efforts
As President Zelensky seeks rapprochement with Donald Trump, UK officials underline the complexity of achieving peace.
The UK government has tempered expectations for an immediate peace agreement regarding Ukraine, following Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's overtures to mend relations with former President Donald Trump.
Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood emphasized that the UK is dedicated to serving as an "honest broker" in the ongoing conflict initiated by Russia's invasion, which has persisted for over three years.
In a statement to Times Radio, Mahmood acknowledged the desire for an end to hostilities but insisted, "there's a long way to go yet," highlighting that the UK Prime Minister remains engaged in diplomatic efforts.
The UK has affirmed its intention to facilitate peace talks as Defence Secretary Grant Shapps prepares for a trip to Washington on Wednesday.
This visit comes in the wake of Zelensky's declaration that Ukraine is "ready" to collaborate with Trump to achieve peace.
It was finalized following a recent announcement by Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer regarding an increase in UK defense spending to 2.5% of GDP.
The ongoing diplomatic initiative follows a tense interaction last week between Trump and Zelensky during a meeting at the White House, where relations between the US and Ukraine faced significant strain.
Zelensky criticized their meeting as "regrettable" and called for mutual ceasefires in both air and maritime operations if Russia reciprocates.
Zelensky communicated his readiness to negotiate an agreement concerning security and mineral rights, indicating a willingness to formalize such arrangements at any convenient opportunity.
However, Trump did not provide a US security guarantee necessary for a potential UK and France-led peacekeeping mission in Ukraine, should an agreement materialize.
In a response to Zelensky's offer, Trump noted that discussions with Russia have yielded indications of their readiness for peace and expressed a desire to end hostilities, stating, "It’s time to stop this madness.
It’s time to halt the killing.
It’s time to end this senseless war."
As the international community closely monitors developments surrounding the conflict, British officials continue their diplomatic outreach, while the prospect of a swift resolution remains uncertain.
Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood emphasized that the UK is dedicated to serving as an "honest broker" in the ongoing conflict initiated by Russia's invasion, which has persisted for over three years.
In a statement to Times Radio, Mahmood acknowledged the desire for an end to hostilities but insisted, "there's a long way to go yet," highlighting that the UK Prime Minister remains engaged in diplomatic efforts.
The UK has affirmed its intention to facilitate peace talks as Defence Secretary Grant Shapps prepares for a trip to Washington on Wednesday.
This visit comes in the wake of Zelensky's declaration that Ukraine is "ready" to collaborate with Trump to achieve peace.
It was finalized following a recent announcement by Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer regarding an increase in UK defense spending to 2.5% of GDP.
The ongoing diplomatic initiative follows a tense interaction last week between Trump and Zelensky during a meeting at the White House, where relations between the US and Ukraine faced significant strain.
Zelensky criticized their meeting as "regrettable" and called for mutual ceasefires in both air and maritime operations if Russia reciprocates.
Zelensky communicated his readiness to negotiate an agreement concerning security and mineral rights, indicating a willingness to formalize such arrangements at any convenient opportunity.
However, Trump did not provide a US security guarantee necessary for a potential UK and France-led peacekeeping mission in Ukraine, should an agreement materialize.
In a response to Zelensky's offer, Trump noted that discussions with Russia have yielded indications of their readiness for peace and expressed a desire to end hostilities, stating, "It’s time to stop this madness.
It’s time to halt the killing.
It’s time to end this senseless war."
As the international community closely monitors developments surrounding the conflict, British officials continue their diplomatic outreach, while the prospect of a swift resolution remains uncertain.
