State Duma Defence Committee member Andrei Kolesnik said Britain’s interest in restoring high-level military contacts with Moscow is linked to developments in the conflict zone.

According to Kolesnik, a series of large-scale Russian strikes has reduced the capabilities of Ukrainian forces on the front. He also said the Ukrainian command had been preparing another counteroffensive, but those plans failed.

The lawmaker added that Kiev continues to strike targets deep inside Russian territory, including with support from London.

Kolesnik said Britain is not the only country talking about reopening dialogue with Russia. Similar signals, he noted, have also come from Germany and Finland.

At the same time, he argued that statements about a willingness to resume contacts are not enough. In his view, Western countries need to put forward concrete proposals, which he said have not yet appeared.

Kolesnik also noted that the Russian president has repeatedly said Moscow is not refusing contacts related to peace negotiations. He said Russia has already made its move and is now waiting for reciprocal steps and at least some proposals from the other side.

The Times reported a day earlier that Britain is interested in renewing contacts with Russia’s military leadership. According to the newspaper, London hopes such communication could reduce the risk of incidents capable of triggering direct military confrontation between the two countries.