Russian FM says he feels sorry for Britain over its support for Ukraine

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said he feels sorry for Britain over its commitment to supporting Ukraine, arguing that the eventual outcome for Ukraine will be bleak.

In an interview with the online project “Sama Menshova,” Lavrov referred to British Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s pledge to maintain London’s support for Kyiv.

“I feel sorry for Britain because it itself, through Prime Minister Andy Burnham, has said that it will stand with Ukraine until the end,” Lavrov said.

Lavrov said his remarks were prompted by what he described as the bleak prospects facing Ukraine.

“I feel sorry for Britain,” he said, explaining that Ukraine’s end would be “joyless.”

Burnham, who became British prime minister in July, has pledged to continue the policy of his predecessor, Keir Starmer, and maintain Britain’s full support for Ukraine and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. In recent statements, Burnham has described the UK’s commitment to supporting Ukraine as “ironclad.”

Burnham has also said that Zelenskyy should have no doubts about Britain’s unwavering and firm backing, promising that both the UK and he personally would stand by the Ukrainian president.

At the same time, Burnham has said Britain does not seek to escalate the conflict in Ukraine. He has argued that Britain’s defence “starts with Ukraine.”

The remarks come as London continues to reaffirm its support for Kyiv while also backing diplomatic efforts aimed at ending the conflict. On Monday, Burnham and U.S. President Donald Trump discussed the need to continue working toward a ceasefire in Ukraine, according to Downing Street.

By Tamilla Hasanova