Russian Ambassador to the United Kingdom, Andrei Kelin, stated in a December 2025 interview that there should be no peace deal with Ukraine, emphasizing that discussions should focus on Kyiv’s surrender.

Kelin’s remarks come amid Ukraine’s ongoing economic difficulties and declining Western financial support, signaling Moscow’s intent to leverage military gains to force a capitulation rather than pursue compromise.

The ambassador’s comments follow U.S. President-elect Donald Trump’s call for accelerated peace efforts, including reference to a 28-point plan, highlighting the widening gap between Western diplomatic initiatives and Russia’s hardline stance.