UK to Keep Beneficial Contacts With Russia, Not to Return to 'Business as Usual'

The United Kingdom will continue to support beneficial contacts with Russia, especially the military ones, but will not return to "business as usual," a government response to a UK parliamentary report said on Thursday.

LONDON (Sputnik) — On July 5, the UK parliament's Defense Committee in the report called for the renewal of the anti-Russia sanctions, but at the same time it highlighted the necessity to renew the dialogue with Moscow.

"The UK will continue to have military to military contact with Russia where it is in our interest to do so," the government response said.

According to the response, in 2015 the sides renewed contacts at the level of foreign and defense ministries, following a deterioration of bilateral relations.

"We are exploring options for future meetings but will not return to business as usual," the response added.

Since 2014, relations between Russia and the West, including the United Kingdom, deteriorated amid the crisis in Ukraine. Brussels, Washington and their allies have introduced several rounds of anti-Russia sanctions since Crimea reunified with Russia in 2014 and over Moscow's alleged involvement in the Ukrainian conflict.

Russia has repeatedly refuted the allegations, warning that the Western sanctions are counterproductive and undermine global stability.