UK calls for ‘robust’ approach to Russian ‘atrocities’ in Syria

British Prime minister Theresa May has called for a “robust and united” European approach to Russian “atrocities” in Syria, at the EU summit in Brussels today.

“It is vital that we work together to continue to put pressure on Russia to stop its appalling atrocities in Syria.”

EU leaders are currently meeting for a two-day summit in which they will “strongly condemn” Russia’s bombardment of Aleppo and call for a permanent end to hostilities in Syria.

Russia and the Syrian army have allowed a brief “humanitarian pause” in Aleppo that began this morning.

May also had a “clear message” to other EU leaders that Britain would continue to play its part in the EU until it formally withdraws once Article 50 is evoked following June’s Brexit referendum.

“The UK is leaving the EU but we will continue to play a full role until we leave and we’ll be a strong and dependable partner after we’ve left,” she said. “It’s in the interests of both the UK and the EU that we continue to work closely together, including at this summit.”

French President Francoise Hollande and German chancellor Angela Merkel met with Russian President Putin yesterday to discuss extending the ceasefire in Aleppo and to warn Russia that sanctions would not be ruled out.