Russia wants a “rapid peace” in Ukraine and London is at the “head of those who resist,” the Russian ambassador told Sky News to the United Kingdom.
In an interview on The world with Yalda HakimAndrei Kelin accused the United Kingdom, France and other European nations of not wanting to end the war Ukraine.
“We are ready to negotiate and speak,” he said. “We have our position. If we can conclude a negotiated regulation … We need a very serious approach to this and a very serious agreement on this subject – and on security in Europe.”
Russian ambassador Andrei Kelin speaks to Yalda Hakim
US President Donald Trump held a surprise phone call with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin Last month, shocking American European allies. He then called Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy a “dictator” and the relations between the pair were left in tatters after a meeting of the oval office went down in a cries match.
A few days later, the American leader suspended military aid to Ukraine, although there were signs that the relationship between the two leaders seemed to be on the walk after the controversial meeting of the White House last week, Trump saying that he “appreciated” a letter from Mr. Zelenskyy saying that Kyiv was Ready to sign a mineral agreement with Washington “At any time”.
In his interview with Sky News’ Yalda HakimKelin said he was “not surprised” that the United States changed his position on Ukraine’s large-scale invasion in Russia, which began in 2022, saying that Mr. Trump “knows the history of the conflict”.
“He knows history and is very different from European leaders,” he added.
Without a doubt, Russia is welcoming a change in the world order
I interviewed the Russian ambassador to the United Kingdom, Andrei Kelin, several times, sometimes the conversation was tense and heated.
But today, I found a diplomat full of confidence and prudently optimistic.
The optics have of course changed suddenly in favor of Russia since Donald Trump was elected.
I asked him if Russia could not believe her luck. “I would not exaggerate too much,” he joked.
Kelin also “categorically” excluded European troops on the ground and said that the burst of diplomatic activities and summits in recent weeks was not because Europeans wanted to speak in Moscow but because they want to present something to Mr. Trump.
He seemed to savor the split that the world is witness in transatlantic relationships.
Of course, the ambassador remained Cagey on the conversations that took place between President Trump and Vladimir Putin.
There is no doubt, however, that Russia welcomes what Mr. Kelin says he is a change in the world.
The peace agreement “should recognize Russian advances”
The Russian ambassador said Moscow told Washington that he thought his territorial advances in Ukraine “should be recognized” in the context of any peace agreement.
“What we need is a new Ukraine as a neutral and non-nuclear state,” he said. “The territorial situation should be recognized. These territories have been included in our Constitution and we will continue to push that all the forces of the Ukrainian government will leave these territories.”
When he was asked if he thought that the Americans would agree to give Ukrainian land occupied to Russia, he said: “I don’t think we have discussed it seriously. (De) what I read, the Americans really understand reality.”
Moscow excluded NATO peacekeepers in Ukraine
He declared that Russia “categorically excluded” the prospect of NATO peacekeepers on the ground in Ukraine – a proposal made by British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron – saying that they have no rules of commitment “and would therefore simply be” seated in cities “.
“It’s insane” and “not for reality,” added Mr. Kelin.
He marked the temporary ceasefire raised by Mr. Zelenskyy “a crazy idea”, and said: “We will never accept it and they are perfectly aware of it.
“We will only accept the final version, when we are going to sign it. Until then, things are very trembling.”
He added: “We are trying to find a resolution on the battlefield, until the American administration suggests something constructive.”
