London-Moscow relationship 'nearly dead', claims Russian Ambassador

Russian envoy Andrey Kelin made these comments while giving an interview to an international media channel as he called for Russia and the UK to work towards a post-Brexit "economic relationship".

He said that the political relationship between London and Moscow was now "nearly dead," but went on to suggest a renewed economic partnership.

He also expressed confusion at the decision to lift the cap on the nuclear stockpile, saying it violated the provisions of the Non-Proliferation Treaty - a claim which the Government has denied.

"If the UK is going to continue to raise several nuclear warheads, and this was a big surprise for the whole world, I will say even for American experts. So they think 'UK, what are you doing?'" he said.

"You are increasing the number of warheads by 40%. This is a violation of the treaty of non-proliferation and many, many other agreements that are saying only a decline or a reduction in the number of nukes."

Speaking of Russia-UK relations, Mr Kelin told the interviewer, “I think that what we need to do is, or what we need to do immediately, is to relaunch economic relationship.”

"Of course, it will be vital and important for the United Kingdom after Brexit especially when it is in search when the UK is in search of other partners and other trade deals.”

"We have a lot to offer to the UK if they will be interested in doing it."