UK seeks immediate ceasefire from Russia, calls Zelenskyy’s peace efforts "step forward"

The British Foreign Office has called on Russia to immediately agree to an unconditional ceasefire, urging the Kremlin to take the necessary steps to halt hostilities in Ukraine. This appeal comes as talks in Riyadh continue concerning a ceasefire in the Black Sea and the cessation of strikes on critical energy infrastructure.

The statement was published on the UK government's website, per Caliber.Az.

According to the Foreign Office, Britain has been in “close contact” with both the US and Ukraine following the conclusion of the Riyadh discussions. The ministry highlighted President Zelenskyy’s proactive stance, emphasizing that he has already demonstrated Ukraine’s commitment to peace by proposing a full, immediate, and unconditional ceasefire.

The Foreign Office's statement reads: “President Zelenskyy has already shown Ukraine is the party of peace by proposing a full, immediate, and unconditional ceasefire. We hope that President Putin will agree to this without further delay.”

Additionally, the UK expressed gratitude to the US for its continued diplomatic efforts, reiterating that Britain remains engaged with international partners to secure a lasting peace.

This statement follows remarks from Prime Minister Keir Starmer's office, which expressed optimism for progress in the diplomatic efforts aimed at achieving a ceasefire and ultimately ending the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict.

The Black Sea Initiative, a key element of the discussions, involves mutual commitments to guarantee the safety of navigation in the region, prohibit civilian vessels from being used for military purposes, and conduct inspections of ships to prevent misuse. In addition to these measures, the United States has pledged to support Russia in restoring access to global agricultural markets by lowering insurance costs and facilitating the reopening of ports for exports.

Another significant provision of the agreement is a 30-day moratorium on strikes against energy infrastructure, starting from March 18, 2025, with the possibility of an extension if conditions are met.

However, the implementation of these agreements is contingent on several key conditions: the lifting of sanctions on Rosselkhozbank and its reconnection to the SWIFT payment system, the removal of restrictions on exporters, insurance companies, and vessels, and the resumption of agricultural machinery supplies to Russia.

In response, the Kremlin has expressed its willingness to accept the support of third-party countries in implementing the agreements and reaffirmed its intention to work toward strengthening peace efforts.

By Tamilla Hasanova