London/Moscow, Jan 16 (.) UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper has pushed back against calls from French and Italian leaders for European countries to consider re-engaging diplomatically with Moscow, saying there is still no sign that Russia is serious about ending the war in Ukraine.
Speaking amid growing debate in European capitals over the future direction of the Ukraine conflict, Cooper said London would need to see “evidence” that Russia “actually wants peace”.
“At the moment, I’m still not seeing that,” she said, adding that allies must remain prepared to increase pressure on Moscow, including through continued military support for Ukraine.
Her remarks come as some EU officials expressed concern that Europe could be marginalised if Washington takes the lead in any future negotiations with Russia.
The idea of reopening diplomatic channels has been floated in parts of Europe as the war drags on, but the UK has remained among the most hawkish supporters of Kyiv.
Russian officials have long accused Britain of deliberately prolonging the conflict for its own geopolitical ends.
Moscow maintains that it is open to negotiations, arguing that its security concerns must be addressed and that Western governments seeking a strategic defeat of Russia are blocking a diplomatic settlement.
Earlier, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova urged London to reverse its course.
Speaking at a briefing, she said Russia was calling on the British government to abandon what she described as a policy of stoking international tensions and to return to “respectful, equal” dialogue.
“We call on the British authorities to refrain from inciting international tensions and return to respectful interstate dialogue, realising their responsibility for preserving the foundations of the post-war world order,” Zakharova said.
She argued that London, alongside Moscow, had played a key role in shaping that order as a victorious power in the Second World War and as a permanent member of the UN Security Council.
Zakharova also claimed that British policymakers were unwilling to accept what she described as Russia’s successes in its “special military operation” in Ukraine, accusing them of warmongering.
“Apparently, they are determined to prolong the conflict as much as possible in the hope of wearing Russia down,” she said, adding that such an approach only serves to reinforce London’s image as a source of instability, and reviving associations with its colonial and imperial past.
In a separate address to foreign ambassadors this week, Russian President Vladimir Putin reiterated Moscow’s vision of a “just multipolar world”, arguing that smaller countries should not suffer from what he called disrespect for sovereignty, chaos and lawlessness.
“Our nation seeks a lasting, sustainable peace [with Ukraine] that ensures security for everyone,” Putin said, adding that while Kyiv and its Western backers currently reject that outcome, he hoped they would eventually recognise its necessity.
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