LONDON (Sputnik) — The Committee is expected to consider Russia’s alleged "increasingly assertive" foreign policy, particularly in Ukraine and the Middle East, and whether London is responding appropriately and effectively to Moscow's actions.
"The Foreign Affairs Committee is launching an inquiry into the FCO’s policy towards Russia and the broader UK-Russian bilateral relationship," the statement reads.
Besides, the Committee will explore the "role of UK cultural institutions, including the BBC World Service and the British Council, in the UK-Russia relationship" and scope for cooperation between the two countries in areas of shared interests.
Relations between Moscow and London deteriorated amid the ongoing internal conflict in southeast Ukraine. Western countries, including the United Kingdom, have accused the Kremlin of meddling in Ukraine’s internal affairs and imposed in 2014 several rounds of sanctions against Russia. Moscow has consistently denied the allegations.
