Ukraine LIVE: Zelensky ‘ready to sign ceasefire’ after Donald Trump ultimatum | World | News
Britain has urged Vladimir Putin to agree to a “full and immediate ceasefire without conditions” as it condemned Russia‘s “brutal” overnight strike on Kyiv.
At least nine people were killed and more than 70 injured after a Russian strike on the Ukrainian capital amid further difficulties in peace talks.
US president Donald Trump accused his Ukrainian counterpart, Volodymyr Zelensky, of making it “difficult to settle” the war with Russia over his opposition to recognising Moscow’s annexation of Crimea.
The US administration is urging Kyiv to accept Russia‘s continued control of occupied Ukrainian regions and Moscow’s ownership of the Crimean peninsula as part of a peace settlement.
Foreign Office minister Stephen Doughty, responding to an urgent question, told the House of Commons: “The UK’s position regarding Ukrainian sovereignty is well known and our position has not changed, and we do not recognise Russian sovereignty over any territory illegally seized from Ukraine, including Crimea.
“And when, how and what terms this war comes to an end can only be decided by negotiations, with Ukraine at the heart.”
Mr Doughty earlier said: “We condemn Russia‘s most brutal missile and drone attacks on civilians, including overnight, absolutely horrific scenes. Our thoughts are with the victims and their loved ones at this tragic time, these are simply shocking scenes.”
He said the latest Russian strike on Kyiv followed “shocking scenes” elsewhere in Ukraine, including Sumy, in recent days.
Mr Doughty said: “While Ukraine has been in peace talks, Russia has continued these severe attacks, including last night, and that is a stark reminder of the continued bloodshed and aggression perpetrated by Putin.”
He went on: “President Zelensky has shown his commitment to peace, President Putin must now agree to a full and immediate ceasefire without conditions as Ukraine has done. We will not stop in our efforts to work with all the parties to that end.”
The minister earlier said talks held in London between the UK, France, Germany, the US and Ukraine were “productive and successful”, adding: “Significant progress was made in reaching a common position on next steps and all agreed to continue close co-ordination and look forward to further talks soon.”
The talks between the nations on Wednesday were downgraded to technical discussions after US secretary of state Marco Rubio decided not to attend.
