The Kremlin stated Tuesday that it holds "no hope" for an improvement in relations with the United Kingdom, following the recent assumption of office by Prime Minister Andy Burnham. Dmitry Peskov, Kremlin spokesman, expressed pessimism regarding bilateral ties, citing Burnham's initial statements of support for Ukraine.
"We have no such hopes," Peskov told Agence France-Presse when asked about potential improvements. He added that one of Burnham's first actions was to express support for Ukraine and a commitment to continue aiding the country in its conflict with Russia.
Burnham, who previously served as the mayor of Manchester, officially took office on Monday and spoke with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Burnham affirmed that London's policy toward Ukraine would remain unchanged and pledged his full support to Zelensky. London has previously hosted Zelensky for discussions on ending the war.
Russia views the UK as one of the most hostile Western nations, with relations already at a low point due to various issues, including allegations of Russian poisonings on British soil. These tensions have been further exacerbated by London's significant backing of Kyiv since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
In separate incidents highlighting the ongoing conflict, a Liberian-flagged vessel sailing from Egypt to Ukraine was struck off Romania's coast. Romanian President Nicusor Dan reported on Tuesday that the LPG Gas Lisbon was hit approximately 20 nautical miles off the coast, causing a major fire. Rescuers evacuated the crew, including three injured individuals. Dan stated that the incident was "most likely part of the illegal war of aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine."
Ukrainian officials have labeled the strike as "yet another example of Russia's terror," calling for stronger sanctions and increased pressure on Moscow. The incident comes after a recent Russian missile strike near Ukraine's southern port of Odesa, which killed 10 people aboard the Guinea-Bissau-flagged ship Golden Leo. Another Russian attack on Odesa on Monday resulted in three fatalities.