Government Minister Criticizes Lord Mandelson Over Ukraine Ceasefire Remarks
Armed Forces Minister Luke Pollard has publicly refuted comments made by Lord Mandelson, the UK ambassador to Washington, who suggested that Ukraine should take the initiative to commit to a ceasefire and “defy the Russians to follow.” When asked whether this stance was reflective of government policy, Pollard firmly stated, “No,” during an interview with Sky News.
Lord Mandelson’s comments were made during an appearance on US television, prior to reports indicating that Sir Keir Starmer and Emmanuel Macron had proposed a one-month ceasefire, which would not encompass ground fighting. This development comes as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed readiness to finalize a minerals deal with the United States following a summit hosted by Starmer involving European leaders in London.
When queried about the ceasefire proposals by Starmer and Macron, Zelensky remarked, “I’m aware of everything,” indicating his attentiveness to international discussions. Speaking at Stansted Airport before departing the UK, he reiterated his willingness to be “exchangeable” in relation to Ukraine’s membership in NATO.
- Government minister dismisses Mandelson’s views on Ukraine ceasefire
- Zelensky ready to sign minerals deal with the US
Significant Missile Order for Ukraine Benefits Belfast Workforce
DUP leader Gavin Robinson has highlighted the importance of a recent order for the Thales missile factory to supply 5,000 air defense missiles to Ukraine, deeming it “hugely significant” for the workforce in Belfast. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer announced this order as part of a £1.6 billion deal, which is expected to create approximately 200 jobs in the area.
Robinson expressed his views on BBC’s Good Morning Ulster program, stating, “It is a hugely significant story, particularly in light of the turbulence in international relations we’ve witnessed in the past week.” He emphasized the continuous contributions of Thales to Ukraine since the onset of Russia’s brutal invasion and the recognition this order brings to the skills and ingenuity of the team at Thales.
Minister Addresses UK Troops’ Rules of Engagement in Ukraine
In response to inquiries about the rules of engagement for British troops deployed in Ukraine, Minister Pollard affirmed that defensive rules would be in place. When asked if UK soldiers would retaliate if fired upon by Russian forces during a potential peacekeeping operation, he explained, “There would be clearly defensive rules of engagement for any military deployment.” He noted that such protocols are standard for UK forces stationed abroad, including those in Estonia.
Pollard further elaborated that policies are established to guide UK forces on how to respond in emergencies, emphasizing that these guidelines are crucial for any military deployment globally.
Concerns Over Frozen Proceeds from Chelsea Football Club Sale
Lyra Nightingale, a legal adviser at Redress, has raised alarms regarding the proceeds from the sale of Chelsea Football Club, stating that the funds are “still locked up” three years later, despite being pledged for humanitarian purposes in Ukraine. In an interview on BBC Radio 4’s Today program, Nightingale detailed the timeline of events surrounding the sale, which occurred following Russian sanctions against former owner Roman Abramovich.
Nightingale remarked, “Three years later, we’re still waiting,” highlighting a lack of transparency from the government regarding why these funds have not yet reached their intended destination. She stressed the urgency of the situation, noting the humanitarian commitments made in connection to the sale.
Minister Denies Agreement on One-Month Truce for Ukraine
In response to media reports, Minister Pollard stated he does not recognize claims that a one-month truce plan for Ukraine has been agreed upon by France and the UK. This clarification came after Emmanuel Macron was reported to have indicated such a proposal in a French newspaper. Pollard clarified that “no agreement has been made on what a truce looks like,” reiterating the UK’s commitment to collaborate with France and European allies in seeking a sustainable peace strategy for Ukraine.
When pressed for details about the proposed ceasefire, Pollard emphasized the importance of maintaining confidentiality, stating that disclosing specifics would only serve to benefit President Putin.
Legal Expert Highlights Frozen Russian Assets in the UK
Legal expert Lyra Nightingale has asserted that tens of billions of pounds worth of frozen Russian assets are currently held in the UK. During her interview on BBC Radio 4’s Today program, she explained the two main categories of frozen funds: assets belonging to the Russian state and private oligarch assets frozen under sweeping sanctions.
Nightingale estimated that the UK holds approximately £25 billion in state assets and around £56 billion in private assets. Discussing the barriers to accessing these funds, she noted human rights concerns surrounding the outright seizure of private assets, and mentioned that discussions are ongoing about using the proceeds from sanctions enforcement—around £50 million last year—for Ukrainian support.
