Starmer backs Zelensky after Trump’s ‘dictator’ claim
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has expressed support for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky as a “democratically elected leader” following remarks by former US President Donald Trump, who labeled Zelensky a “dictator.”
Downing Street reported that Sir Keir spoke to Zelensky on Wednesday, reaffirming the Ukrainian president’s decision to suspend elections due to Russia’s invasion, comparing it to the UK’s suspension of elections during World War Two. Zelensky’s term, originally set to end in May 2024, has been extended under martial law.
Trump recently criticized Zelensky for allegedly refusing to hold elections and described his leadership as inadequate. In response, Russia’s Ambassador to the UK, Andrei Kelin, echoed the call for Ukrainian elections and dismissed any possibility of foreign peacekeeping troops in Ukraine.
During their phone call, Sir Keir stressed global collaboration to ensure peace in Ukraine and emphasized the necessity of a US-led “backstop” to deter future Russian aggression. Zelensky expressed gratitude for the UK’s ongoing support.
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch also defended Zelensky, while acknowledging Trump’s point that Europe should contribute more to Ukraine’s defense. Badenoch urged Sir Keir to show leadership by visiting Washington. Sir Keir is scheduled to meet Trump in Washington next week to discuss Ukraine and security guarantees.
Trump’s remarks faced global backlash. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz called them “wrong and dangerous,” and Trump’s former Vice President, Mike Pence, condemned the comments, asserting that Russia started the war. Former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Conservative MP Tom Tugendhat rejected the characterization of Zelensky as a dictator, likening him to Winston Churchill.
Sir Alex Younger, former head of MI6, warned that Trump’s statements could embolden Russian President Vladimir Putin. Sir Keir has expressed willingness to deploy British troops to Ukraine as part of a peace deal if a US security guarantee is in place.
Russian Ambassador Kelin dismissed any notion of returning seized territories, claiming they had been “liberated” and populated by Russians for centuries.
Credit: BBC
