Lavrov Attacks Starmer Over Ukraine Coalition

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Russia’s foreign minister has launched a direct attack on Sir Keir Starmer and the UK-backed coalition supporting Ukraine, accusing them of undermining peace efforts and prolonging the conflict.

Speaking after high-level talks in Alaska between Vladimir Putin and former US President Donald Trump, Sergei Lavrov claimed that London and its allies were attempting to derail progress. “The so-called coalition of the willing is trying to shift the focus away from resolving the root causes,” he said.

The coalition, set up earlier this year by the UK and France, brings together 31 nations committed to backing Ukraine against Russian aggression. It includes plans for a peacekeeping force, to be deployed only once a ceasefire or peace agreement between Moscow and Kyiv is reached.

Lavrov dismissed those plans as “hopeless,” arguing that Western governments were moving away from terms Russia had raised in earlier negotiations, including talks in Istanbul in 2022. “I hope such European adventurism fails,” he added.

The Russian diplomat also criticised Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, questioning his legitimacy. Zelensky’s term was due to expire in 2024, but elections have been postponed under martial law. He has argued that holding a vote during wartime could expose Ukraine to Russian interference. Lavrov countered that legitimacy issues would need to be resolved before any binding agreement could be signed.

His remarks followed Trump’s confirmation that a potential meeting between Putin and Zelensky is being prepared, though no date has been set. The Kremlin has said Putin is ready to meet, but only under conditions it views as acceptable for progress.

Lavrov’s criticism of Starmer highlights Britain’s central role in leading European support for Ukraine. Since taking office, the UK prime minister has pledged to maintain strong backing for Kyiv and helped build an international coalition of support.

Critics argue that London’s firm stance risks drawing the UK into a prolonged conflict, while Moscow continues to frame the war as resistance to Western interference rather than outright aggression.

As the conflict enters its third year, Britain’s leadership role ensures it remains a primary target of Russian political and diplomatic pressure.