He criticized Europe for being 'sleepwalking' about Ukraine.

A committee in the British House of Lords has criticized Europe's handling of the crisis in Ukraine as "as if it were asleep".

Rebels in eastern Ukraine tear down the Kiev government flag in a separatist-held area. Photo: The Guardian

The House of Lords' Committee on the European Union said today that both London and Europe have "catastrophically misunderstood" Russia's intentions in the unfolding situation in Ukraine, failing to recognize Moscow's plan for Kyiv and acting like "sleepwalkers," according to the BBC.

This statement from the commission comes after European Council President Donald Tusk called on British Prime Minister David Cameron to discuss with the EU how to resolve the ongoing conflict in eastern Ukraine. The commission's report suggests that the UK has not been sufficiently proactive or prepared in dealing with the situation in Ukraine.

A spokesperson for the British Foreign Office stated that no one could have predicted the scale of Russia's "unjust and illegal" intervention in eastern Ukraine. The spokesperson argued that if Ukraine wanted closer social, economic, and political ties with the EU, it would be up to the people to decide, "not Russia." Both Mr. Tusk and the British Prime Minister expressed deep concern about the continued attacks by rebels in eastern Ukraine in the town of Debaltseve, agreeing that the EU "needs to make it clear to Russia that the rebels must abide by the ceasefire."

British Defence Minister Michael Fallon yesterday accused Russian President Vladimir Putin of posing a "real and present danger" to the three Baltic states of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. The Russian Foreign Ministry said Fallon's comments were "inappropriate for diplomatic protocol" and threatened retaliation.

Western countries and Kyiv continue to claim that Moscow is supporting eastern rebels amid the separatists' seizure of the strategic city of Debaltseve while a new ceasefire is in effect. Moscow denies this.

According to VNE