Britain lashed out at two of Russia’s closest allies as Moscow is accused of showing “no signs of wanting peace”.

During a meeting held by the United Nations Security Council in New York on May 20, British Ambassador James Kariuki openly mentioned the weapons trade being carried out with Russia by Iran and North Korea.

He told the council during a gathering focused on the ongoing conflict in war-torn Ukraine: “We urge North Korea and Iran to cease all support to Russia. We note that any transfer of ballistic missiles or related technology from Iran to Russia would be a significant escalation.”

Mr Kariuki also pointed out that the Russian procurement of weapons from North Korea violates a number of resolutions issued by the UN Security Council.

Iran is believed to have been providing Russia with drones since 2022, the year the Kremlin ordered the unlawful and unprovoked invasion of Ukraine.

Mr Kariuki went on to state Russia “cannot win” the war, adding it is costing thousands of lives and the future of the country’s youth.

Yet, he added, “Russia shows no signs of wanting peace”, while Ukraine is forced to defend itself from a “neo-imperial war of aggression” brought upon its land.

The speech ended with Britain pledging support for the upcoming Summit on Peace to be held next month in Switzerland – and during which Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky hopes its partners will develop an action plan focused on free navigation, nuclear and energy security as well as the exchange of captive and return of Ukrainian children allegedly deported to Russia or Russian territory.

He added: “Our support for Ukraine will endure as it continues to fight Russian aggression, as it secures the just and sustainable peace it deserves, as it rebuilds and recovers, and as its sovereign right to chart its own course is guaranteed.”