Russian Envoy Accuses UK of Diplomatic Intimidation as London Imposes New Sanctions

 Russia’s ambassador to the United Kingdom, Andrey Kelin, has sharply criticized what he describes as an increasingly confrontational approach by British diplomats, claiming that the UK now communicates almost exclusively through ultimatums.

In an interview published Sunday by RIA Novosti, Kelin remarked on the evolving diplomatic posture of the UK in the context of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. “I must say that over the past three years, I have heard many ultimatums here, especially in the Foreign Office. It seems that London has forgotten how to speak differently,” Kelin said. He further claimed that ambassadors from other nations based in London have also expressed concern about “the tone that British diplomacy has adopted.”

The comments came days after Downing Street unveiled its second major package of sanctions on Russia this month. The announcement, made on Tuesday, was accompanied by a renewed demand that Moscow agree to a full and unconditional ceasefire in Ukraine. The UK, along with France and Germany, has issued similar warnings in recent weeks, linking compliance to the outcome of ongoing peace negotiations between Kyiv and Moscow in Istanbul.

Kelin went on to accuse Prime Minister Keir Starmer of perpetuating the “warlike” stance of his predecessors. “Starmer and former UK leaders Boris Johnson, Liz Truss, and Rishi Sunak have all demonstrated the same belligerence and irresponsibility in assessing the international situation and the consequences of their actions,” he stated. According to the ambassador, the UK’s foreign policy has remained rooted in an “anti-Russian course and senseless, reckless support for Ukraine” regardless of changes in political leadership.

Both bilateral ties and European security, Kelin argued, would benefit significantly if the UK were to “speak respectfully and listen.”

Reacting to the latest round of punitive measures, the Russian Embassy in London released a statement asserting that “unlawful restrictive measures” and “ultimatums and threats” would not sway Moscow’s strategic decisions.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov echoed this sentiment. “The language of ultimatums is unacceptable for Russia,” he said, stressing that the Kremlin “will not allow itself to be spoken to in such a way.”

Despite the mounting sanctions—now totaling nearly 29,000 since 2014—Russian officials maintain that the country’s economy has shown remarkable resilience. President Vladimir Putin, speaking in March, insisted that Western pressure has only fortified Russia’s economic foundations. “Russia knows how to adapt to further Western restrictive measures and how to minimize their effect,” he said.

As London doubles down on its hardline stance, Moscow’s representatives continue to push back, warning that pressure tactics may further entrench division rather than foster resolution.