Former US President Donald Trump has sparked controversy by claiming that UK Labour leader Keir Starmer would have "surrendered" Ukraine to Russia if he had been in power at the start of the war. The remarks came during a campaign event where Trump criticised Western leaders for their handling of the conflict.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky swiftly responded, defending the support provided by Western allies, including the UK. "We remember who stood with us from the first days," Zelensky stated, indirectly referencing former Prime Minister Boris Johnson's early backing.
Trump's Criticism of Starmer
Trump alleged that Starmer, as Prime Minister, would not have shown the same level of support for Ukraine as the Conservative government. "He would have folded immediately," Trump claimed, without providing evidence for his assertion.
Political analysts have noted that Labour has consistently supported military aid to Ukraine, though some left-wing members have questioned the scale of assistance.
Zelensky's Rebuttal
In his response, President Zelensky emphasised the importance of continued Western unity against Russian aggression. "This is not about one leader or one country – it's about defending democracy everywhere," he said during a press conference in Kyiv.
The Ukrainian leader also highlighted Britain's role in training Ukrainian troops and supplying advanced weaponry, suggesting that bipartisan support in the UK has been crucial.
Political Fallout in Britain
Starmer's office declined to comment directly on Trump's remarks, but Labour sources reiterated the party's commitment to supporting Ukraine. Meanwhile, Conservative MPs seized on the comments to question Labour's foreign policy credentials.
With a general election approaching, defence and international relations are expected to feature prominently in the campaign. The UK has been one of Ukraine's staunchest allies, committing over £7 billion in military and humanitarian aid since the invasion began.
