In Moscow, Johnson Says Britain Can't Ignore Russia's Actions In Ukraine, Elsewhere
By RFE/RL
British Foreign Minister Boris Johnson has said London could not ignore Russia's meddling in elections around the world, its actions in Ukraine, or the persecution of gay people in Chechnya.
Johnson made the remarks at a news conference in Moscow on December 22 following talks with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov.
Lavrov said he had held what he termed a “frank dialogue” with Johnson that should help normalize relations.
It was the first visit by a British foreign minister to Russia in five years, underscoring strains in ties between the two countries.
Bilateral relations have been severely strained by differences over Ukraine and Syria as well as by allegations of Russian meddling in domestic politics in Europe and the United States. Russia denies the accusations.
The 2006 radiation-poisoning death in London of former Federal Security Service officer Aleksandr Litvinenko also has continued to cast a shadow over ties.
Speaking earlier at the start of their talks on December 22, Johnson told Lavrov that despite "problems" in bilateral ties, Russia and Britain should “work together for peace and security.”
Johnson said the two nations needed to cooperate on international issues, such as preserving the Iran nuclear deal, dealing with the threat posed by North Korea's nuclear and missile programs, and helping bring peace to Syria.
Lavrov said Moscow wanted the talks to lead to "concrete steps" that would help revive ties.
"Our ties -- there is no secret here -- are at a very low point," Lavrov said.
Prime Minister Theresa May said Johnson would take a “hardheaded” approach to dealing with Russia during his talks with Lavrov.
"We are aware of the activity that Russia has undertaken, the illegal annexation of Crimea, its continued activity in...Ukraine, also the action that it is taking in relation to disinformation elsewhere," she told Sky News on December 22.
On the eve of the visit, Johnson said in a statement that “our relations with Russia cannot be ‘business as usual’ whilst Russia continues to attempt to destabilize European states, including Ukraine."
More on Ukraine from RFE/RL's News Desk:
The planned cease-fire as well as a planned prisoner exchange were discussed by Russian President Vladimir Putin and German Chancellor Angela Merkel during a phone call on December 21, the Kremlin said.
Putin also explained to Merkel why Russia withdrew its military observers from a joint group monitoring the truce in eastern Ukraine, according to the Kremlin.
Putin said the Russian move announced earlier this week was due to what the Kremlin said were “restrictions and provocations” by Ukrainian authorities.
Kyiv has criticized Moscow’s decision, saying it could fuel hostilities.
Another Soldier Killed In Eastern Ukraine, Holiday Cease-Fire Planned
By RFE/RL
Ukraine's military said on December 22 that one of its soldiers was killed and two wounded in the previous 24 hours in the eastern part of the country.
A Defense Ministry statement said that Russia-backed separatists violated a frequently breached cease-fire 16 times using snipers, machine guns, and mortars.
Separatists, meanwhile, claimed that government forces violated the cease-fire 28 times using assault rifles, grenade launchers, mortars, and artillery.
Fighting between Kyiv's forces and the Russia-backed separatists who hold parts of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions has killed more than 10,300 people since April 2014.
Cease-fire deals announced as part of the Minsk accords -- September 2014 and February 2015 pacts aimed to resolve the conflict -- have failed to hold.
Rights groups and Western officials have voiced alarm about a recent increase in hostilities.
A new cease-fire agreed ahead of the holiday season was set to begin at midnight between December 22 and 23.