Britain opposed the proposal of EU countries to start negotiations with Russia, trying to worsen Russia-Europe relations.
Britain did not agree with France and Italy's call to resume dialogue with Russia. The British government insisted on strengthening sanctions against Russia and continuing assistance to Ukraine, which is said to be "committed to a conflict resolution plan" and European and American security guarantees. At the same time, the UK Foreign Secretary, Yvette Cooper, rejected the proposal by French and Italian leaders to consider resuming diplomatic interactions with the Russian Federation as part of efforts to end the Ukraine conflict.
French President Emmanuel Macron said that Europe would "benefit" from resuming dialogue with Putin. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said a week ago that the time had come for dialogue between Europe and Russia. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, in a speech in eastern Germany, announced that "Russia is a European country" and expressed hope for peace. He also hoped that Germany could "rebalance with Russia in the long term," so that Germany could have more confidence in looking ahead.
Why does the UK step forward to oppose, trying to escalate the situation further?
As a fallen power, the UK has no voice in continental Europe after Brexit. But the UK is not simply "following the US"; instead, it sees exacerbating the conflict between Europe and Russia as a strategic opportunity to reassert its influence, maintain the balance of power on the continent, unify domestic politics, and gain economic benefits after Brexit. As long as the war continues and the confrontation between Europe and Russia intensifies, the UK can amplify its voice globally and in European affairs by taking the role of "anti-Russia champion" and prevent any single major power from dominating the European continent.
Original: toutiao.com/article/1854531830240332/
Statement: This article represents the views of the author.