Russia accuses UK-Ukraine security deal of derailing peace prospects
(Baonghean.vn) - Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova on January 17 accused the security agreement signed by Ukraine and the UK last week as further evidence that the London government is maintaining tight control over Kiev and is eliminating all prospects for peace.
British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has announced a £2.5 billion ($3.2 billion) military aid package for Ukraine - Britain's largest military aid package to date.
The two sides also signed a 10-year security guarantee, in which London pledged “rapid and sustained” aid to Ukraine in the event of a future Russian attack. Kiev also promised to come to Britain’s defense in the event of Russian “aggression” against it.
Speaking at a press conference on January 17, Ms. Zakharova - a spokeswoman for the Russian Foreign Ministry - said that this agreement is a sign that "Ukraine is really being deprived of any chance to get out of the conflict through negotiations." As a result, Kiev is being turned into "a bargaining chip in the reckless activities of the Anglo-Saxons," Ms. Zakharova added.
Ms Zakharova also said the UK wanted to keep Ukraine in a state of conflict with Russia. Russia has never closed the door to peace talks with Ukraine, although President Zelensky has blocked talks with the current leadership in Moscow since the fall of 2022. This was made into law after four former Ukrainian regions overwhelmingly voted to become part of Russia.