UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer Reaffirms Support for Ukraine, Condemns Trump's Remarks
In a teleconference with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer reiterated his unwavering support. This conversation occurred just hours after former US President Donald Trump labeled Zelenskiy a "dictator."
According to a Downing Street readout of the call, Starmer emphasized the necessity of global cooperation. He also asserted that suspending elections during wartime is reasonable, citing the UK's actions during World War II.
Trump escalated his verbal assault on Zelenskiy, criticizing him for not holding a presidential election since 2019. On Truth Social, Trump accused Zelenskiy of manipulating the US into a "unwinnable" and "unnecessary" war despite Russia's invasion provoking the conflict.
Earlier in the week, senior US and Russian officials met in Saudi Arabia, excluding Ukrainian and European counterparts. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz maintained that "no decisions should be made over Ukraine's head," while Starmer expressed his readiness to deploy troops as part of a peacekeeping force.
The UK faces a delicate balancing act regarding Ukraine, seeking to avoid Trump's trade tariff threats while aligning with European allies. Plans for a European-led "reassurance force" for Ukraine, contingent on Trump's cooperation, are reportedly being developed by the UK and France.
According to the call readout, Starmer "reaffirmed his support for US-led efforts to secure a permanent peace in Ukraine, deterring Russia from future aggression."