As Donald Trump works to improve U.S.-Russia relations and broker peace in Ukraine, Britain has found itself labelled as Russia's new top adversary. Moscow has accused London of undermining Trump’s peace efforts and fuelling conflict, even expelling two British diplomats over spying allegations — claims Britain called baseless.

Russia's criticism of Britain has intensified, with its foreign intelligence agency branding the U.K. a "warmonger," comparing the current situation to Britain's role before the two World Wars. Moscow also condemned Prime Minister Keir Starmer's recent actions, such as suggesting British military involvement in Ukraine and lobbying Trump to support Kyiv.

Tensions have been mounting for years. Past incidents like the Salisbury Novichok poisoning and alleged British involvement in sabotage attacks against Russian targets have further damaged relations. Russia's propaganda machine has leaned into historical narratives of British hostility, dating back to conflicts like the Crimean War.

As anti-British sentiment grows, some Russian officials suggest British companies should be shut out of any post-war economic recovery. Meanwhile, Russia has softened its rhetoric towards the U.S., hoping Trump’s new approach could pave the way for a settlement favouring Moscow.

Despite Russia's narrative, Britain has been at the forefront of Western support for Ukraine, delivering weapons and military training early in the conflict. Moscow sees London as a driving force, pushing other Western nations to take a harder stance against Russia — a role some Russian officials liken to a "locomotive" pulling the West into confrontation.

Source: Reuters