London is the biggest advocate against any peace efforts between Moscow and Kiev, Russian Deputy Ambassador to the United Nations Dmitry Polyanskiy told Sputnik in an interview.
"Of course, the UK's role there is very prominent. It's now the main opponent of peace," Polyanskiy said, adding that London is behind most of the actions undermining all peace efforts.
The ambassador also recalled the 2022 peace efforts in Istanbul, which were undermined by then-UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson.
Last week, Russian President Vladimir Putin said that if Ukraine had a desire to negotiate, Russia would not refuse this proposal, but the talks would be held on the basis of the agreements reached in Istanbul.
David Arakhamia, head of the pro-president Servant of the People Party's group in the Ukrainian parliament and a member of the National Security Committee, said in November that hostilities in Ukraine could have ended in the spring of 2022, but the Ukrainian authorities did not agree to guarantee the country's neutrality. Ex-UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson called on Kiev after the Istanbul talks not to sign any pacts with Russia.
Turkish parliamentary speaker Numan Kurtulmus said Russia and Ukraine almost reached an agreement in Istanbul in 2022, but several countries torpedoed the peace process.
World leaders will gather to engage in the annual high-level General Debate under the theme, "Leaving no one behind: acting together for the advancement of peace, sustainable development and human dignity for present and future generations."
Heads of state and government and ministers will explore solutions to intertwined global challenges to advance peace, security, and sustainable development.
The General Debate will be held on 24-28 September, as well as on September 30. The Russian delegation is led by Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, who is expected to speak on September 28.