The Russian ambassador to the United Kingdom, Andrei Kelin, spoke with the newspaper News in a candid exchange about bilateral ties and the consequences of severing diplomatic channels. In his remarks, he emphasized that breaking off diplomatic relations would not serve the interests of either Moscow or London, pointing to the broader risks such a move would pose for both nations and the wider international community.
Kelin described the severing of diplomatic ties as the most extreme step available in the spectrum of military and political relations. He argued that while it is a drastic measure, it would likely lead to mutual disruption, reduce channels for crisis management, and complicate any potential path back to dialogue between Russia and the United Kingdom. The ambassador stressed that, at present, no party gains from cutting formal communications, and that the existing frameworks should be preserved to prevent escalation and to maintain avenues for negotiation and de-escalation when tensions rise.
The diplomat recalled that the deterioration of Russia-England relations began several years ago in the wake of the Skripal incident, yet official commercial and governmental ties managed to endure through that period. With the onset of special military operations, the relationship contracted to the point where only diplomatic exchanges remained, highlighting how quickly a cooling of relations can take hold when security concerns become central to policy decisions.
Beyond Moscow and London, the discussion touched on the broader strategic environment. The exchange underscored that bilateral dialogue remains a critical mechanism for addressing misunderstandings, managing incidents, and pursuing coordinated responses to developments that could affect regional stability. In this context, Kelin noted that the maintenance of formal channels is essential for preventing misinterpretations and for safeguarding the possibility of future cooperation in domains where mutual interests exist.
In related remarks, the British Foreign Secretary, James Cleverly, reaffirmed that NATO has no interest in a direct conflict with Russia over Ukraine and that all efforts are being directed toward avoiding such an outcome. Cleverly highlighted the need for measured approaches and continued diplomacy to manage the crisis, emphasizing the importance of restraint and steady engagement with Moscow as part of a broader effort to safeguard European security.
The foreign secretary also discussed London’s broader strategy for engagement with other regions, stating that the United Kingdom intends to strengthen relations with nations across Asia, Africa, and Latin America. The aim, he said, is to reduce the potential for Russian influence in strategic regions by diversifying partnerships, investing in shared interests, and promoting economic and security cooperation that can help stabilize international dynamics and support democratic governance across diverse countries.