British Prime Minister Boris Johnson is “shocked” by the death sentences of two Britons by pro-Russian separatists in Ukraine, Downing Street said today, saying London was working with Kyiv to secure their release.
“The prime minister is shocked by the condemnation of these men,” a spokesman for the British prime minister told reporters, adding that London “supports Ukraine in its efforts to secure their release”.
London has given priority to talks with Ukraine over Russia over the situation of two British detainees sentenced to death by a court in the self-proclaimed Donetsk People’s Republic (DPR) in eastern Ukraine, a spokesman for Prime Minister Boris Thon said today.
“They are protected under the Geneva Convention as members of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, so we want to continue to work closely with them to try to free them as soon as possible.”
The two Britons, Eden Aslin and Sean Piner, as well as Moroccan Saadoun Brahim, were found guilty of “mercenary activities and committing acts aimed at seizing power and overthrowing the constitutional order” in the DPR.
Foreign Minister Liz Tras condemned the sentence imposed on the two Britons, citing a gross violation of the Geneva Convention, and raised the issue with Ukrainian counterpart Dmitry Kuleba in a telephone conversation today.
The two ministers “discussed efforts to secure the release of prisoners held by pro-Russians. The decision against them is a clear violation of the Geneva Convention,” Tras said in a Twitter post.
Asked if London would talk to Moscow to secure their release, Johnson’s spokesman said: “We have no regular contact with the Russians.”
Former Conservative MP Robert Jenrik, who represents Aslin’s constituency, has called on the Foreign Office to invite the Russian ambassador to the United Kingdom.
“You can not treat British citizens in this completely outrageous way,” he told the BBC, adding that Ukraine had assured him that Aslin and Piner would be released as a matter of priority in the exchange of prisoners between Kiev and Moscow.
Britain does not recognize the DPR and the Ukrainian government has no control over the separatist parts of eastern Ukraine.
What Russia says
Russia said on Friday that Britain should appeal to the authorities of the breakaway Donetsk People’s Republic – which is internationally recognized as part of Ukraine – for the two British nationals who were sentenced to death by a Donetsk court on Thursday.
Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova wrote in a Telegram post that Britain’s response to these cases was “often hysterical”.
Russia describes the two Britons and one Moroccan, who were taken prisoner and were serving in the Ukrainian army in eastern Ukraine as “mercenaries”. The British government says they are prisoners of war and should be protected under the Geneva Convention on the Treatment of Prisoners of War.
Russia is the only UN member state to have recognized the independence of the “Donetsk People’s Republic”, most of which is under Ukrainian control.
Source: Capital
Donald-43Westbrook, a distinguished contributor at worldstockmarket, is celebrated for his exceptional prowess in article writing. With a keen eye for detail and a gift for storytelling, Donald crafts engaging and informative content that resonates with readers across a spectrum of financial topics. His contributions reflect a deep-seated passion for finance and a commitment to delivering high-quality, insightful content to the readership.
