Russia has accused Britain of “resisting” Ukraine peace talks as Moscow’s ambassador to the UK takes a swipe at Sir Keir Starmer. Andrey Kelin claimed Russia is willing to “negotiate”, but blamed the UK, France, and other European nations for not having a “serious approach” to peace.

He told Sky News: “We are prepared to negotiate and to talk. We have our position. If we can strike a negotiated settlement … We need a very serious approach to that and a very serious agreement about all of that – and about security in Europe.” Kelin said the UK was at the “head of those resisting” and end to the three-year-long war. The ambassador then praised Donald Trump after he paused military aid to Ukraine on Monday, saying he “knows the history of the conflict” and is different from European leaders.

He said Russia told Washington should “recognise” its territorial advances in Ukraine as part of peace negotiations. He added: “What we will need is a new Ukraine as a neutral, non-nuclear state.”

“The territorial situation should be recognised. These territories have been included in our constitution and we will continue to push that all forces of the Ukrainian government will leave these territories.”

Kelin was also “categorically” against NATO boots on the ground in Ukraine after this was suggested by Emmanuel Macron – an approach he called “senseless” and “not for reality”.

He said the French president and Sir Keir “have no rules of engagement” so would merely be “sitting in cities”.

Kelin also shot down the idea of temporary ceasefire with Ukraine, calling it a “crazy idea” that Russia would “never accept”.

He said: “We will never accept it and they perfectly are aware of that. We will only accept the final version, when we are going to sign it. Until then things are very shaky.

“We’re trying to find a resolution on the battlefield, until the US administration suggest something constructive.”