British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has publicly supported Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, calling him a "democratically elected leader," after former US President Donald Trump described Zelenskyy as a "dictator." Starmer's statement is aimed at refuting Trump's remarks and reaffirming Britain's support for Ukraine's sovereignty and democratic institutions.
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02-23, 2025According to Downing Street sources, Sir Keir Starmer spoke with Zelenskyy on Wednesday evening and stated that Ukraine's "suspension of elections during wartime is completely justified," just as Britain did during World War II. This statement echoes Ukraine's decision to postpone elections due to the Russian-Ukrainian conflict and emphasizes the necessity of taking special measures during special times.
Trump had previously criticized Zelenskyy, saying he was "doing a terrible job" and claiming "he refuses to have an election." Meanwhile, Russian Ambassador to the UK Andrei Kelin told the BBC that he believes Zelenskyy should hold elections and reiterated his rejection of allowing foreign peacekeeping forces into Ukraine in any peace agreement. These conflicting views highlight the complexity of the situation in Ukraine and the differences in the positions of all parties involved.
Zelenskyy's five-year term was originally scheduled to end in May 2024, but elections have been suspended since martial law was declared following the Russian invasion. During his call with the Ukrainian president, Sir Keir Starmer "emphasized that everyone needs to work together," a Downing Street spokesman said. "The Prime Minister reiterated his support for US-led efforts to achieve a lasting peace in Ukraine and deter any future Russian aggression."
Following the call, Zelenskyy said they discussed "upcoming plans and opportunities," adding: "The UK's support is really important, and we will never forget the respect of the British people for Ukraine and our citizens." Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch also defended the Ukrainian leader, writing on X that Zelenskyy is "the democratically elected leader of Ukraine, who has bravely stood up to Putin's illegal invasion." Badenoch also stated that Trump "is right to think Europe needs to shoulder responsibility" and called on Starmer to "get on a plane to Washington and show some leadership."
Sir Keir Starmer is scheduled to travel to Washington, D.C. next week for his first face-to-face meeting with Trump. But the growing rift between Trump and Zelenskyy increases his political risk. The Prime Minister has said he hopes to use his meeting with Trump next week to discuss what he believes is the "American backstop" necessary to prevent Russia from attacking Ukraine again.
Trump's remarks have been widely criticized in the UK. Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey said calling Zelenskyy a dictator "must be where a line is drawn," and he hoped "the entire political spectrum...will stand up with one voice against Trump's lies." Former Conservative Prime Minister Boris Johnson posted on X, saying, "Of course Ukraine is not waging a war." He added, "Trump's statement is not intended to be historically accurate, but to shock Europeans into action."
Conservative MP and former Security Minister Tom Tugendhat said Zelenskyy "is no more a dictator than (former British Prime Minister Sir Winston Churchill) was." "Putin is determined to destroy the alliance built by the United States to advance his power." The former head of MI6 said Trump's remarks were "unfortunate" and would "embolden" Russian President Vladimir Putin. Sir Alex Younger told BBC's "Newsnight": "I don't know whether Donald Trump believes the Russian narrative, but I think the Russians probably think he does, and I think that greatly diminishes his leverage."
Sir Keir Starmer has said he would be willing to deploy British troops to Ukraine to help secure its safety as part of a peace deal, provided there was an "American backstop." Russia's ambassador to the UK said in an interview with BBC's "Newsnight" that Moscow would not accept troops from Britain or other European countries entering Ukraine, even if Trump approved of the idea. Kelin also questioned whether a potential peace deal could be reached without new elections in Ukraine. When asked if his country would return some of the territory it had seized from Ukraine, the Russian ambassador said: "Why should we do that? We have liberated these territories, and the Russian people have lived on these territories for centuries."
