Political reporter
PA MediaSir Keir Starmer won’t be “derailed” in working to finish the struggle in Ukraine after the US suspended army support to the nation, the deputy prime minister has mentioned.
Angela Rayner mentioned the prime minister was “laser focussed on getting peace” and would proceed “dialogue” with each President Donald Trump and Europe.
She mentioned this was “a really severe second” within the struggle and burdened the UK, together with its European allies, had been centered 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 high workforce.
The US is by far the most important 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 keeping with German assume tank the Kiel Institute.
The choice got here hours after Trump criticised Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky for saying the top of the struggle 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 might be signed.
On Monday, the White Home introduced it was “reviewing” the supply of ammunition and different gear to Ukraine to “be certain that it’s contributing to an answer”.
‘Profoundly worrying’
Reacting to the choice, Rayner advised the RAYNAE the Trump administration wished Europe to step up and had been clear about its intentions to finish the struggle in Ukraine.
Rayner mentioned the prime minister was additionally “laser-focused on getting peace”.
“He will not be derailed by bulletins,” Rayner advised Radio 4’s In the present day 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 mentioned the UK and Europe should “rearm quicker” following the US announcement.
She mentioned: “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 function and have each dedicated to ship troopers to Ukraine, below one proposal.
However other than growing spending on defence, there seems to be no consensus on a plan to finish the struggle amongst European leaders.
A UK authorities spokesperson mentioned: “We stay completely dedicated to securing a long-lasting peace in Ukraine and are participating with key allies in help of this effort.
“It’s the proper factor to do, and is in our curiosity to take action.”
