Russia slowing down ceasefire process – UK ambassador

This was announced by the British Ambassador to Ukraine Martin Harris in an interview for Ukrinform.

“Ukraine is demonstrating its readiness for an unconditional and complete ceasefire. Now the ball is in Russia's court; it must practically and realistically demonstrate how serious its intentions for peace are,” the ambassador noted.

He stressed that the UK supports US President Donald Trump's desire to “immediately end this brutal war that Russia is waging against Ukraine”, adding that Ukraine seeks a lasting and just peace.

The diplomat believes that Russia's response to such calls currently remains “inadequate.”

“Ukraine has made it clear that it is for a complete and unconditional ceasefire right now, President Trump has made it clear that there is a real need to stop the fighting immediately. And we have not heard that from Russia,” the ambassador recalled.

He also noted the importance of increasing pressure on Russia if the Kremlin's position is not aimed at achieving peace.

“Russia is talking terms, they are dragging their feet on the issue of starting military action right now. So I think it is really important that Russia makes its position clear, and if they are not for peace, we will increase the pressure on Russia and continue to support Ukraine until Russia comes to the negotiating table,” Harris concluded.

The UK's permanent representative to the OSCE, Neil Hland, has reportedly called on Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin to agree to a ceasefire in Ukraine “without further delay”.

On March 11, a meeting of US and Ukrainian delegations was held in Jeddah (Saudi Arabia). Ukraine expressed its readiness to accept the US proposal to immediately introduce a temporary, 30-day ceasefire, provided that the Russian side simultaneously observes it.

On March 13, US Special Representative Steve Witkoff visited Moscow and met with Putin, among others. The Kremlin said Putin conveyed “additional information and additional signals” to Trump through Witkoff.

On March 18, US President Donald Trump spoke by phone with Putin. The White House reports that Moscow has agreed to a limited ceasefire on energy and infrastructure projects in Ukraine.

On March 22–25, at talks in Saudi Arabia, the United States and Ukraine agreed to ensure safe navigation, avoid the use of force, and prevent the use of commercial vessels for military purposes in the Black Sea.

Read also: Martin Harris, British Ambassador to Ukraine

At the same time, the Kremlin stated that the agreement on the safety of navigation in the Black Sea will come into force after some of the restrictions against Russia are lifted.

Against this backdrop, Russia continues to attack peaceful cities and civilian infrastructure in Ukraine on a daily basis.