Keir Starmer insisted Kyiv is on an ‘irreversible path’ to joining Nato today as he vowed solidarity after Trump’s bombshell call with Putin.
The PM spelled out his view that there can be ‘no talks about Ukraine without Ukraine’ as he spoke to Volodymyr Zelensky this morning.
The intervention puts the UK firmly alongside European allies in signalling concerns about the stance being developed by the US.
Mr Trump and the Russian dictator had ‘a lengthy and highly productive’ phone conversation earlier this week, during which they agreed that talks to end the conflict should start ‘immediately’.
But any peace deal is expected to see Russia keep territory it has annexed since 2014, including the Crimean peninsula – a huge blow to Kyiv after three years of fighting for freedom.
There was also deep disquiet that Ukraine joining Nato – an official policy of the alliance – had been effectively ruled out.
Meanwhile, Mr Trump is demanding that European Nato powers commit to spending 5 per cent of GDP on defence – a level the US itself does not reach. The UK is one of the biggest spenders but has yet to set out a timetable to hit 2.5 per cent.
A Downing Street spokeswoman said Sir Keir and Mr Zelensky spoke this morning, ahead of an anticipated meeting between the Ukraine leader and US Vice President JD Vance in Munich later.
‘The Prime Minister began by reiterating the UK’s concrete support for Ukraine, for as long as it’s needed.
‘He was unequivocal that there could be no talks about Ukraine, without Ukraine.
‘Ukraine needed strong security guarantees, further lethal aid and a sovereign future, and it could count on the UK to step up, he added.
‘The Prime Minister reiterated the UK’s commitment to Ukraine being on an irreversible path to NATO, as agreed by Allies at the Washington Summit last year.
‘Discussing the upcoming third anniversary of Ukraine’s courageous defence of its sovereignty in the face of Russia’s barbaric full-scale invasion, the leaders agreed that it would be an important moment to demonstrate international unity and support for Ukraine.
‘The leaders also reflected on the Prime Minister’s visit to Kyiv last month, and the President updated on his plans at Munich Security Conference.
‘They agreed to stay in close contact.’
Politicians from across parties voiced alarm in the Commons yesterday after the US president’s call with Putin.
