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Ukraine peace talks can't be 'fig leaf' for Russian rearmament: UK FM

12.12.2022 00:05
Any peace talks in Ukraine cannot be a "fig leaf" for Russian rearmament, British Foreign Secretary James Cleverly has said, adding that there are no signs Moscow is ready to enter into negotiations in good faith.
British Foreign Secretary James Cleverly
British Foreign Secretary James CleverlyPhoto: Rolf Vennenbernd/DPA via PAP

"Any negotiations need to be real," Cleverly told broadcaster Sky News on Sunday. "They need to be meaningful. They can't just be a fig leaf for Russian rearmament and further recruitment of soldiers."

He added: "I'm not really seeing anything coming from the Russian side that gives me confidence that Vladimir Putin is entering these talks in good faith."

"The wider rhetoric is still very confrontational," Cleverly also said.

Britain has promised millions of pounds in additional support for Ukraine as the country grapples with persistent Russian air strikes on critical infrastructure. Cleverly unveiled the plan during a visit to Kyiv last month.

Britain's government in September pledged to "match or exceed" its 2022 military support to Ukraine next year.

Monday is day 292 of Russia’s war against Ukraine.

(gs)

Source: Reuters, PAP