Fri Apr 04 08:19:57 UTC 2025: **Headline:** Britain and France Accuse Putin of Delaying Ukraine Ceasefire, Demand Immediate Response

**Byline:** [The Hindu]

**Dateline:** Brussels, April 4, 2025

Britain and France today accused Russian President Vladimir Putin of stalling ceasefire negotiations in Ukraine, escalating pressure on Moscow to provide a swift response to a U.S. proposal for a 30-day halt to hostilities. The two nations, key members of a multinational coalition supporting Ukraine, expressed frustration over Russia’s rejection of the ceasefire proposal, characterizing it as a deliberate attempt to prolong the conflict.

British Foreign Secretary David Lammy and French counterpart Jean-Noel Barrot, speaking jointly at NATO headquarters, described Putin’s actions as “obfuscation” and condemned the ongoing bombardment of Ukrainian civilians and infrastructure. They noted that Ukraine accepted the ceasefire terms three weeks ago, highlighting Russia’s lack of reciprocation.

Mr. Barrot emphasized the need for an immediate “yes” or “no” answer from Russia, pointing to Moscow’s continued military actions, including a recent order for a 160,000-strong conscript call-up. Mr. Lammy echoed this sentiment, stating, “We see you, Vladimir Putin. We know what you are doing.”

The two foreign ministers reiterated their commitment to bolstering Ukraine’s armed forces, emphasizing this as a crucial security measure given the absence of NATO membership for Ukraine. Coalition army chiefs are scheduled to meet in Kyiv today, followed by a meeting of defense ministers at NATO headquarters next Thursday, April 10. U.S. President Donald Trump has also reportedly expressed his frustration with both Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy over the protracted conflict.

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