The UK has issued a warning to Vladimir Putin as the Kremlin continues to batter Ukraine with drones and missiles. Neil Holland, Head of the United Kingdom’s Delegation to the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), is urging Russia to “step up” and match Ukraine’s willingness to accept a ceasefire.
Strikes on Ukraine reached a wartime high last month, with an average of over 200 drones being launched by Russia per day. Mr Holland has described the repeated Russian attacks as “contempt for international law” and “civilian life”. The warning comes after a massive drone and missile barrage killed at least 16 people and injured over 100 in cities across Ukraine on Thursday (April 16).
Ukrainian leader Vladimir Zelensky agreed to a truce deal with Russia for Orthodox Easter. Putin said he ordered his troops to cease fire in “all directions” over the last weekend, with Mr Holland accusing the Kremlin of trying to “reframe the narrative”.
He said: “This was a serious offer, made in good faith, and intended to reduce harm to civilians and create space for dialogue. Russia’s initial response was dismissive and deliberately vague.”
He added: “In the days that followed, the Kremlin sought to reframe the narrative, belatedly attempting to present the ceasefire as its own initiative.
“This manoeuvre was revealing and not just for its pettiness. Had Russia been serious about peace, it would have engaged constructively with Ukraine’s proposal from the outset.”
According to Mr Holland, there were “thousands” of reported violations during the truce period, including shelling and short-range drone launches. Russia then fired nearly 1,000 drones towards Ukraine in the hours after the ceasefire.
The ambassador is calling on Putin to “step up and match” Ukraine’s willingness to create conditions “more conducive to negotiations”. He explained that Russia is continuing to “reject peace” in the region with intensified attacks and violations of peace talks.
Mr Holland continued: “Ukraine’s position remains consistent and principled. It seeks a cessation of hostilities not as an end in itself, but as a pathway towards a broader settlement that upholds international law and secures its sovereignty. Ukraine has demonstrated readiness to engage constructively. Russia has so far made a different choice.
“The path to peace begins with an immediate cessation of hostilities, respect for international law, and genuine engagement in good faith. Ukraine is ready. At present, Russia is not.”
