‘Significant bilateral difficulties remain’ in UK-Russia relationship

Downing Street says that “significant bilateral difficulties remain” between the UK and Russia, following a call this afternoon between Boris Johnson and Russian president Vladimir Putin.

No.10 said the prime minister cited Ukrainian sovereignty and the 2018 Salisbury poisonings as explanations for the current bilateral difficulties. Downing Street added that the PM made clear the current relationship with Russia “is not the one we want.”

The Russian president also reportedly “expressed his regret” during the call over his decision not to attend COP26 in Glasgow, which begins this Sunday. Putin cited the coronavirus situation in Russia as the given reason.

Johnson “welcomed the steps Russia has taken in recent days to commit net zero by 2060.” The prime minister was said to have “expressed his hope” that Russia will raise their net zero target to 2050.