Peers party with Putin’s man in London at a reception at the Russian Embassy where the regime’s war in Ukraine was praised as one Lord says he went to show ‘the Russians that not everyone hates them’

• Lord Skidelsky and Lord Balfe among 50 guests at ‘Russia Day’ event on June 12

Peers attended a reception at the Russian embassy in London last month where the Ukraine war was praised, it was reported.

Historian and crossbench peer Lord Skidelsky and Tory Lord Balfe were among around 50 guests at the ‘Russia Day’ event on June 12.

Andrey Kelin, Russia’s ambassador to the UK, told guests ‘we sincerely regret that the UK government has chosen a confrontational approach towards Russia’ at the event at the lavish 13 Kensington Palace Gardens.

Diplomats from several western nations boycotted the reception, but representatives were present from countries that have taken a neutral or supportive stance towards the Russian invasion.

Lord Skidelsky told the Sunday Times he is ‘opposed to the Russian invasion of Ukraine’ but accepted his invitation ‘to show my respect and affection for the Russian people on their national day.’

Historian and crossbench peer Lord Skidelsky (pictured) and Tory Lord Balfe were among around 50 guests at the ‘Russia Day’ event on June 12

Lord Balfe said he attended to show ‘the Russians that not everyone hates them’.

He added: ‘There has to be a peace move… at some point we’re going to have to talk to them.’

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