PM condemns as unacceptable what she called Russia’s support of indiscriminate bombing of innocent civilians

This article is more than 3 years old

This article is more than 3 years old

Theresa May has called on the international community to increase pressure on Vladimir Putin over what she called Russia’s support of indiscriminate bombing of innocent civilians in Syria.

Speaking after a bilateral meeting with the Polish prime minister, Beata Szydło, and a number of senior members of her government, May said in response to a question about the position of Donald Trump: “We must recognise increasing Russian assertiveness and I think that it is important that we work together to deal with that. We’ve spoken today about the importance in relation to the Ukraine …

“In relation to Syria we want to ensure and work with the regime to ensure that the terrible indiscriminate bombing of innocent civilians stops.”

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May added: “I think it is important that internationally we put pressure on Russia to recognise that its behaviour in Syria in terms of the indiscriminate bombing and support of indiscriminate bombing of innocent civilians is unacceptable.”

The comments came after Michael Fallon, the defence secretary, said that he expected the US president-elect, Donald Trump, to stand up to Putin despite his pro-Russian rhetoric during the election campaign.

“I think you have to distinguish between the campaign rhetoric of President-elect Trump and what he does in practice. In practice, every American administration has always stood up to Russia,” he told BBC Radio 4.

“We are not suggesting you shouldn’t talk to Russia, but what you can’t do is treat Russia as business as usual, as any kind of equal partner.”