UK Prime Minister Reaffirms “Iron-Clad” Support for Ukraine to President Zelensky

UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer conveyed to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky that the United Kingdom’s backing for Ukraine in its conflict with Russia continues to be “iron-clad.” This assurance was given during a meeting between the two leaders at a European Political Community summit held in Budapest, the capital of Hungary. The United States has provided the most substantial military assistance to Ukraine among all individual donors. However, concerns have been raised that a potential return of Donald Trump to the presidency in January could potentially reduce, or even stop, the provision of American military support to Kyiv. Sir Keir stated that the summit addressed issues beyond “just about sovereignty of Ukraine,” extending to “our freedom, our democracy and our values.” After his discussion with President Zelensky, Sir Keir avoided directly answering an inquiry regarding the implications of Trump’s presidential election win for Europe and Ukraine. He noted that this was his sixth encounter with President Zelensky since assuming the role of Prime Minister, emphasizing it as a chance to reiterate the UK’s “iron-clad support of Ukraine.” Previously, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, who hosted the summit, indicated that European leaders had concurred on the necessity of assuming responsibility for their own security rather than depending solely on the US for defense. Orban declared, “To be blunt, we cannot wait for the Americans to protect us.” The Hungarian head of government is a firm supporter of Trump and maintains strong connections with Moscow. He has shown hesitation in implementing sanctions against Russia or providing weaponry to Ukraine. Trump has previously stated his intention to conclude the Ukraine war “within a day,” though he has not specified the method for achieving this. Certain observers have speculated that this might involve the incoming US administration urging Zelensky to cede some territory as part of a peace agreement with Russian President Vladimir Putin. President Zelensky mentioned that he had not yet engaged in discussions about the conflict with the US president-elect. Sir Keir encouraged Ukraine’s international partners to “step up” their assistance, assuring Zelensky: “As you know, our support for Ukraine is unwavering.” He added, “It’s very important that we see this through. It’s very important that we stand with you.” In response, the Ukrainian president expressed gratitude “for sticking with us all through this tough period.” French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz have similarly made repeated commitments to support Ukraine. Nato Secretary General Mark Rutte commented that Trump’s initial presidential term had prompted Europe to increase its defense spending, but emphasized that “we need to do more.” He highlighted that the menace posed by Russia, along with its alignment with North Korea, China, and Iran, presented challenges for both the US and Europe. Rutte stated in Budapest, “If Russia would be successful in Ukraine, you would have an emboldened Russia at our border.” Rutte, who served as Dutch prime minister during Trump’s first presidency from 2017 to 2021, further remarked: “I worked with him very well for four years.” He described Trump as “extremely clear about what he wants” and noted, “He understands that you have to deal with each other to come to joint positions. And I think we can do that.” Sir Keir avoided a query concerning a report that Trump had privately characterized him as “very left-wing.” The prime minister described his September meeting with Trump in New York and their phone conversation on Wednesday, following the US election outcome, as “very positive, very constructive.”