In case you haven’t noticed, it’s all gone a bit t*ts up on the global political stage. What was intended to be a routine visit from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to the White House to sign a minerals agreement with the US went horribly, horribly wrong after the pair ended up having a public bust-up in the Oval Office.
Not content with accusing Zelenskyy of ‘gambling with WW3’, Trump has now announced the decision to pause all military aid to Ukraine, with a White House aid insisting the decision will secure peace between the two nations.
“President [Trump] has been clear that he is focused on peace,” White House official anonymously told Sky News.
“We need our partners to be committed to that goal as well. We are pausing and reviewing our aid to ensure that is contributing to a solution.”
The UK government has now responded to the latest development, with a spokesperson telling Sky News that ministers are ‘absolutely committed’ to achieving piece in Ukraine.
Kier Starmer has been vocal in his support for the Ukrainian leader (Toby Melville – WPA Pool/Getty Images)
“We remain absolutely committed to securing a lasting peace in Ukraine and are engaging with key allies in support of this effort,” a UK government spokesperson has said.
“It is the right thing to do, and is in our interest to do so.”
The spokesperson went on to reference the UK government’s recent decision to provide further military aid to Ukraine, which includes an annual £3 billion for ‘as long as it takes’ as well as releasing £2.26 billion from frozen Russian assets in the form of a loan.
Emphasising the support is to guarantee Ukraine will be in a position to negotiate peace with Russia, the spokesperson added: “In addition, we’ve set up a partnership with Ukraine that allows them to use £1.6 billion of UK export finance to buy 5,000 air defence missile manufactured in Belfast, putting Ukraine in the strongest possible position for peace.”
Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner has also addressed the shocking development in a new interview, telling BBC Radio 4 that the PM is ‘laser-focused’ on achieving peace.
“He’s laser-focused on getting peace. He won’t be derailed by announcements,” she said.
Several NATO countries have since promised to step up their support for Ukraine (Justin Tallis – WPA Pool/Getty Images)
“He will continue that dialogue with our oldest and strongest ally, the US, and with European partners and with Ukraine.”
The US president’s decision to pause military aid will come as a huge blow to Ukraine, with former President Biden giving the Eastern European country $66.5 billion (£52.3 billion) since Russia invaded on 24 February 2022.
