Russia says does not expect frosty UK ties to warm under Truss

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov says ‘that no modifications for the higher are anticipated’ beneath the brand new UK prime minister.

Liz Truss arrives on the Conservative Get together headquarters, after being introduced as Britain's subsequent prime minister [File: Phil Noble/Reuters]

Russia doesn't anticipate any enchancment to its unfriendly relations with the UK beneath new Prime Minister Liz Truss, the Kremlin has mentioned.

“Judging by statements made by Madame Truss when she was nonetheless international minister … one can say with a lot certainty that no modifications for the higher are anticipated,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov was quoted as saying by the state TASS company on Tuesday.

His feedback got here shortly earlier than Truss formally assumed her new function after being appointed by Queen Elizabeth II the day after profitable the management race of the ruling Conservative Get together.

Beneath her predecessor, Boris Johnson, the UK was one of many staunchest supporters of Ukraine following Russia’s invasion greater than six months in the past.

In July, Russian politicians have been fast to have fun the downfall of Johnson, casting the British chief as a “silly clown” who had lastly bought his simply reward for arming Ukraine towards Russia.

“He doesn’t like us, we don’t like him both,” Peskov mentioned shortly earlier than Johnson introduced his resignation outdoors Downing Avenue on July 7 within the face of a collection of ethics scandals.

In his speech asserting he was stepping down as Conservative Get together chief however deliberate to remain on as prime minister till a substitute was picked, Johnson addressed the folks of Ukraine, pledging that the UK would “proceed to again your combat for freedom for so long as it takes”.

Even earlier than Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered the February 24 invasion of Ukraine, Johnson had repeatedly criticised Putin. After the invasion, Johnson despatched weapons to Ukraine and imposed extreme sanctions on Russia, whereas additionally twice travelling to Kyiv to satisfy Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

In his day by day handle late on Monday, Zelenskyy congratulated Truss, describing her as somebody “we all know properly in Ukraine”.

He went on to say Truss “has at all times been on the intense facet of European politics, and I imagine that collectively we can do way more for the safety of our folks and failure of all damaging Russian efforts.”