Defence Secretary Wes Streeting has reaffirmed Britain’s support for Volodymyr Zelenskyy after Donald Trump called for Ukraine to replace its president.
Speaking on Sunday, Streeting said Britain’s backing for Ukraine remained resolute and argued that the UK should help bring Washington and Kyiv together.
Trump calls for a new president
Trump told reporters at the White House on Saturday: “I think it’s time for Ukraine to get a new president.”
His comments followed Zelenskyy’s criticism of a US agreement with Russia involving diesel supplies. The Ukrainian president has argued that easing pressure on Moscow risks prolonging the war.
Britain reaffirms its support
On the BBC’s Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg, he said: “We stand with Ukraine. We stand with President Zelenskyy.”
In a separate interview with Sky News, Streeting said the UK’s role was to “bring our friends back together”. He emphasised unity against Russian aggression and said Britain intended to increase pressure on Moscow.
Streeting also pointed to continued US support, including cooperation on missile defence and Washington’s diplomatic efforts. His remarks reaffirmed Britain’s position rather than announcing a new military assistance package.
Burnham and Zelenskyy discuss further pressure on Russia
The intervention followed a telephone call between Prime Minister Andy Burnham and Zelenskyy on Saturday.
According to Downing Street, Burnham expressed complete solidarity with Ukraine. The leaders discussed strengthening sanctions against Russia, called for an immediate energy ceasefire and agreed to meet in the coming days.
The readout called on Russia to end attacks on Ukrainian energy infrastructure and Black Sea shipping. It did not announce an agreed ceasefire or specify a date and location for the leaders’ meeting.