STORY
In a pointed address at the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), UK Ambassador Neil Holland accused Russia of deliberately obstructing peace efforts in Ukraine. He criticised President Vladimir Putin’s administration for choosing to “dither, delay and destroy” rather than engage earnestly in ceasefire negotiations.
Ambassador Holland highlighted that, despite Ukraine’s readiness to implement a full, unconditional 30-day ceasefire, Russia has yet to reciprocate. He condemned the Kremlin’s “desperate and false accusations” questioning the legitimacy of Ukraine’s democratically elected government and its control over national defence forces. These claims come as Russia reportedly deploys North Korean troops to the front lines and initiates its largest conscription drive since the conflict began.
The UK envoy also denounced recent Russian military actions, including a missile strike on Kryvyi Rih that killed 20 civilians, among them nine children, and drone attacks in Kharkiv resulting in additional casualties. He pointed out that such assaults have intensified since Ukraine’s ceasefire proposal, undermining Russia’s professed commitment to peace.
Furthermore, Holland criticised Russia’s purported adherence to an “energy ceasefire” declared on 18 March, noting continued attacks on energy infrastructure that have left tens of thousands without power. He also mentioned Russia’s withdrawal from a proposed Black Sea ceasefire, attributing it to the imposition of new, unwarranted conditions. Concluding his remarks, Ambassador Holland urged Russia to cease its attacks on Ukrainian civilians and infrastructure, and to demonstrate genuine commitment to peace through concrete actions rather than hollow rhetoric.