UK says security guarantees key to lasting peace in Ukraine

The UK has called on its international partners to offer “real and credible security assurances” to Ukraine, warning that a durable peace will only be possible if Russia is deterred from continuing its aggression.

Delivering a statement at the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) in Vienna on 2 April, the UK’s Senior Military Advisor Lt Col Joby Rimmer accused the Kremlin of stalling efforts towards a general ceasefire.

“The Kremlin’s procrastination and game-playing with the agreed naval ceasefire in the Black Sea… show Russian promises to be hollow,” he said.

Lt Col Rimmer told delegates that the UK remains “steadfast in supporting Ukraine’s sovereignty and security,” reiterating the UK’s condemnation of Russia’s invasion and the commitment to economic, humanitarian, and defensive military support. He warned that Russia is using temporary ceasefire arrangements as leverage and pointed to recent reports suggesting Moscow is seeking additional concessions rather than seriously engaging with peace efforts.

The remarks follow a wave of diplomatic and military activity aimed at solidifying international support for Kyiv. Military leaders from the UK, France, and Ukraine are expected to meet in the coming days to discuss the next phase of joint planning. According to Lt Col Rimmer, “These military planning meetings have focused on how we keep the skies, the seas and the border of Ukraine safe.”

Prime Minister Keir Starmer has reportedly spoken to President Zelenskyy ahead of the meeting, with a renewed push to deliver coordinated defence planning involving over 200 military personnel from what the UK described as “a group of nations politically aligned to the defence, security and sovereignty of Ukraine.”

The UK has also welcomed US pressure on Russia. “We welcome President Trump’s readiness to increase the pressure on Russia if President Putin does not agree to a ceasefire soon,” Rimmer said.

Highlighting continued Russian attacks on civilian areas, the UK representative cited recent shelling in Zaporizhzhia which killed a 66-year-old woman and injured five others, and a separate attack on infrastructure in Kherson that left 45,000 without electricity. “This is despite Russia’s alleged agreement to a partial ceasefire on strikes against energy facilities,” he noted.

The UK also raised concerns over reported war crimes and human rights violations, referencing the UN Commission of Inquiry’s 11 March report. “A sharp increase in criminal cases concerning Russian troops executing wounded, captured or surrendering Ukrainian soldiers” was noted, with the UK warning that many of those killed were unarmed and in vulnerable positions.

Lt Col Rimmer also condemned the recent sentencing of 23 Ukrainians to lengthy terms in Russian labour camps. He described the trial as “a sham and a gross violation of international law,” noting that the defendants were denied independent legal counsel and allegedly subjected to coerced confessions.

In closing, Rimmer reiterated that the UK’s position remains unchanged: “We will continue to support Ukraine for as long as it takes. President Putin must stop playing games and agree to a full and immediate ceasefire without conditions.”

He added: “Only through a concerted and sustained effort can we hope to bring an end to this egregious campaign of violence and pave the way for a just and lasting peace.”