bForeign Secretary Yvette Cooper delivered a briefing to Members of Parliament in London on Wednesday, stating that the Kremlin has yet to demonstrate a willingness to engage in a lasting cease‑fire in Ukraine. She referenced various attempts at negotiation that have culminated in the current stalemate, noting that Russian leadership has refused to provide a clear framework for sustained dialogue. Her remarks reinforced the UK’s policy that any international mediation effort must be credible and backed by all relevant parties, without which it risks being ineffective or politicised./b _2_ iFollowing the invitation extended by President Donald Trump to participate in a joint peace‑coordination board, the United Kingdom announced its decision to forgo membership. The government explained that the participation of the Russian state could compromise the board’s legitimacy, due to the lack of constructive engagement from Moscow and the suspension of reciprocal diplomatic initiatives. The statement highlighted that the UK would instead channel its efforts through established alliances such as NATO and the European Union, where agreements already exist to counter aggression and provide support to Ukraine./i _3_bAs a consequence of this choice, the UK will maintain its diplomatic engagement with Ukraine and the broader international community. The administration has made clear that it will continue to deliver aid, support sanctions on Russian entities, and uphold collective defence commitments. The policy shift also signals the UK’s intention to avoid legitimising a forum that could be seen as endorsing Russian policy actions that violate international norms. Moving forward, the government plans to enhance its collaboration with European partners to seek a comprehensive resolution to the conflict while preserving its stance on maintaining a robust deterrence against further escalation./b