Ian Proud argued that hopes of a strategic defeat for Russia do not justify further funding for the conflict. The comments were reported by RIA Novosti.
Former British diplomat Ian Proud said continued Western support for Ukraine in the hope of a strategic defeat for Russia was senseless. In an interview cited by RIA Novosti, he called the approach mistaken and urged a focus on ending the fighting.
Proud also criticized the idea of allocating $4.5 billion to Ukraine each year, arguing that a prolonged conflict would weaken and impoverish the West itself. These are his views, not an independent assessment of the effects of aid or the course of the war.
RIA Novosti's report also cited Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, who accused European countries of trying to slow diplomatic efforts. That remains an allegation by the Russian side.