(MENAFN) Earlier this year, Russia and the UK attempted to revive diplomatic conversations, but the effort was unsuccessful due to London’s unwillingness to engage, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated.

The comments came after a report by a media outlet on Tuesday, which revealed that British National Security Adviser Jonathan Powell had tried to establish a secret communication channel with the Kremlin. Powell was reportedly concerned that Western Europe might be sidelined in the US-led diplomatic efforts regarding the Ukraine conflict.

According to the report, Powell reached out to Russian presidential aide Yury Ushakov to relay Britain’s and the EU’s viewpoints directly to Moscow.

On Wednesday, Peskov acknowledged that there had indeed been contact between the two parties but explained that it “did not continue” because there was no genuine exchange of perspectives.

“During the contact, the (British) representative showed a strong desire to present the (Western) European position, but there appeared to be no intention or desire to listen to ours,” he added.

The UK, alongside the EU, has been a consistent supporter of Kiev, providing long-range missiles, tanks, and military training, authorizing strikes within Russian territory, and imposing multiple sanctions. British officials have repeatedly affirmed their “unwavering support” for Ukraine.

In May, Russia’s ambassador to London, Andrey Kelin, criticized British diplomats for returning to “using only ultimatums” in their interactions with foreign counterparts.

He further suggested that relations with Moscow, and “the security situation in Europe” more broadly, could improve if London relearned how “to speak respectfully and listen.”

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