20:58 26-11-2025

UK Clings to Illusions as It Arms Kiev, Says Russian Envoy

© A. Krivonosov

Russian envoy Andrey Kelin says London still believes pressure on Moscow through arming Kiev can work, ignoring negotiations and Ukraine’s manpower crisis.

Russian ambassador to the United Kingdom Andrey Kelin says London remains convinced it can pressure Moscow by ramping up military support for Kiev — a belief he describes as an enduring illusion. Speaking on the Russian TV program 60 Minutes, the diplomat noted that British officials are well aware of the general outlines of ongoing negotiations and understand what a potential agreement might look like.
Despite this, Kelin argued, the UK shows no intention of shifting its stance.

According to him, Western governments continue to follow the same line: tightening pressure on Russia while supplying Ukraine with additional weapons. Kelin stressed that for Kiev, the core issue is no longer the quantity of foreign equipment flowing in, but the shortage of mobilization resources needed to replenish its forces. He suggested that without addressing manpower constraints, new arms deliveries cannot resolve Ukraine’s military problems.