Simon Smith

Biography

Simon Smith retired in January 2022 from a 35-year career in the UK diplomatic service. He served in London, Tokyo, Moscow, Vienna, Kyiv and Seoul.

2018-22	HM Ambassador to South Korea
2012-15	HM Ambassador to Ukraine
2007-12	UK Governor, IAEA, Perm Rep to UN in Vienna and HM Ambassador to Austria
2004-07	Director, Russia, S Caucasus and C Asia, UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office
2002-04	Head of NE Asia & Pacific Department, UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office

There was no invitation for Kyiv to join the alliance. But there was agreement on what Ukraine needs now to ensure Russia’s war fails.

This report makes the case for dramatically increased Western military assistance to Ukraine, and counsels against concessions to Russia.

Simon Smith, chair of the Chatham House Ukraine Forum, explains why there is still much to do before a peace deal can be considered to end the war.