Political reporter
PA MediaSir Keir Starmer won’t be “derailed” in working to finish the warfare in Ukraine after the US suspended army support to the nation, the deputy prime minister has stated.
Angela Rayner stated the prime minister was “laser focussed on getting peace” and would proceed “dialogue” with each President Donald Trump and Europe.
She stated this was “a really severe second” within the warfare and harassed the UK, together with its European allies, had been targeted on supporting Ukraine.
The US president made the choice to freeze US army help for Ukraine on Monday, after a gathering with members of his prime group.
The US is by far the largest particular person donor of army support to Ukraine, offering weapons, gear and monetary help.
Between the beginning of 2022 and the top of 2024, it gave $69bn (£54.6bn) in army support, in response to German suppose tank the Kiel Institute.
The choice got here hours after Trump criticised Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky for saying the top of the warfare with Russia is “very, very far-off”.
The pair had an explosive spat within the Oval Workplace final Friday, with Zelensky leaving the White Home earlier than a proposed deal on sharing Ukrainian minerals with American corporations could possibly be signed.
On Monday, the White Home introduced it was “reviewing” the supply of ammunition and different gear to Ukraine to “be sure that it’s contributing to an answer”.
‘Profoundly worrying’
Reacting to the choice, Rayner informed the PRESSHARK the Trump administration wished Europe to step up and had been clear about its intentions to finish the warfare in Ukraine.
Rayner stated the prime minister was additionally “laser-focused on getting peace”.
“He will not be derailed by bulletins,” Rayner informed Radio 4’s As we speak programme.
“He’ll proceed that dialogue with our oldest and strongest ally, the US, and with European companions and with Ukraine.”
Conservative chief Kemi Badenoch stated the UK and Europe should “rearm sooner” following the US announcement.
She stated: “The information in a single day that America is halting army support to Ukraine is profoundly worrying.”
Over the weekend, Sir Keir hosted a summit of western leaders, as they scramble to form peace negotiations and easy over fractured relations between Trump and Zelensky.
The UK and France are taking a number one position and have each dedicated to ship troopers to Ukraine, beneath one proposal.
However aside from rising spending on defence, there seems to be no consensus on a plan to finish the warfare amongst European leaders.
A UK authorities spokesperson stated: “We stay completely dedicated to securing a long-lasting peace in Ukraine and are partaking with key allies in help of this effort.
“It’s the proper factor to do, and is in our curiosity to take action.”
