Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has once again made headlines with his strong words towards the UK and France. In a recent statement, he accused the two countries of being “obsessed” with the idea of sending their own armed forces to the battlefield in Ukraine.
Lavrov’s comments were in response to UK Labour leader Keir Starmer’s proposal for a “coalition of the willing” to deploy peacekeeping troops to Ukraine. While the UK and France have stated that they would only send troops after a potential US peace agreement is reached, Lavrov suggested that they have ulterior motives and actually want to join the war.
According to Russian state news agency TASS, Lavrov said, “They began by [promising] to supply Zelenskyy with weapons until total victory, until Russia’s strategic defeat on the battlefield. And now, as they start to realize that this is not going to work, they are talking about sending their own armed forces to the battlefield.”
He went on to say that the French and British are “particularly obsessed” with this idea, but he hopes they have not forgotten the lessons of history. He also noted that many leaders in Europe are beginning to realize the disastrous consequences of such a move, and he believes that voters will make their voices heard at the polls.
Starmer has made it clear that there will be no British boots on the ground in Ukraine unless there is a US security guarantee, which the White House has so far refused to offer. His remarks come at a time when US President Donald Trump is pushing for a quick resolution to the Ukraine war, while Russian President Vladimir Putin continues to reject his suggestions.
A Kremlin spokesperson recently claimed that they cannot agree to a US-led ceasefire due to the “number of extremist and nationalist units that simply do not obey Kyiv.” This has been dismissed as yet another delay tactic from Moscow.
Meanwhile, there have been accusations that Russia is recruiting soldiers from China to serve on its frontline in Ukraine. This comes after two Chinese citizens were captured in the battlefield. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has stated, “Russia’s involvement of China, along with other countries, whether directly or indirectly, in this war in Europe is a clear signal that Putin intends to do anything but end the war.”
He also added that Putin is actively looking for ways to continue fighting. However, the Kremlin has refused to comment on these claims, and China has stated that they are looking into the matter.
This latest row between Russia and the UK and France only adds to the ongoing tensions between the two sides. The UK has accused Russia of significantly changing pace on the frontline throughout 2025, while also drawing condemnation from Russian parents over their involvement in the war.
The UK has also accused Putin of using delay tactics and making false promises in order to continue the conflict. However, it seems that the Russian president is determined to keep the war going, even if it means involving other countries.
The involvement of China in this conflict has raised concerns and further complicated the situation. It is clear that Putin is not interested in finding a peaceful resolution, but rather in continuing the war at any cost.
As the situation in Ukraine continues to escalate, it is important for the international community to come together and find a solution that will bring an end to the suffering of the Ukrainian people. The UK and France, along with other countries, must stand firm against Russia’s aggressive actions and work towards a peaceful resolution.
In the end, it is the innocent civilians who are paying the ultimate price in this conflict. It is time for all parties involved to put aside their differences and prioritize the well-being of the people of Ukraine. Only through cooperation and diplomacy can we hope to bring an end to this devastating war.
