Britain has distanced itself from Paris and Rome on the issue of negotiations with Putin – Rezazade

The UK has publicly disagreed with France and Italy on the possibility of resuming direct diplomatic contacts with Russian President Vladimir Putin. London says it sees no signs of Moscow’s readiness for real peace and considers any attempts to politically “restart” dialogue with the Kremlin premature.

British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper stressed that Russia is not demonstrating a sincere intention to end the war against Ukraine. According to her, before talking about diplomacy, concrete evidence is needed that Moscow truly seeks peace, and is not using negotiations as a tactical pause or tool of pressure.

This position contrasts with signals from Paris and Rome, where some political leaders have admitted the possibility of resuming contacts with Putin as part of the search for ways to end the war. Amid these differences, there is growing concern in Brussels that the European Union could be pushed into the background if the United States takes on a key role in potential negotiations with Moscow.

Ali Reza Rezazade, an international expert and first vice president of the Iranian opposition in Washington, believes that London’s position is symptomatic of a deeper fracture within the Western coalition. “We see a clash of two approaches: the pragmatic realism offered by Paris and Rome, and the tough strategic deterrence pursued by London. Britain proceeds from a simple principle: negotiations without changing the aggressor’s behavior only legitimizes violence,” he notes.

According to Rezazade, the lack of real signals from the Kremlin makes any diplomatic initiatives vulnerable. “Putin has repeatedly used negotiations as a tool to gain time, regroup forces, and relieve international pressure. In this sense, Britain’s demand for evidence of readiness for peace is not emotional, but coldly rational,” the expert emphasizes.

He also draws attention to London’s statement on the need to increase pressure on Russia. “Britain’s clear signal is that sanctions and military support for Ukraine should not be weakened, but rather strengthened. This is an attempt to preserve the logic of coercion, without which any negotiations will turn into a farce,” Rezazade notes.

In his opinion, the current disagreements within Europe may become decisive. “Either the West will maintain unity around Ukraine as a negotiating subject, or it risks receiving an imposed peace on the Kremlin’s terms. London’s position is an attempt to prevent the second scenario,” the expert summarizes.