Ukraine is still on an “irreversible path to Nato”, Keir Starmer has told Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
In an apparent rebuke of the position taken by the US administration, the prime minister reiterated the UK’s commitment to Ukraine joining Nato, “as agreed by allies at the Washington Summit last year”, a Downing Street statement said.
“He was unequivocal that there could be no talks about Ukraine, without Ukraine”, it added.
Starmer made the remarks in a phone call with Zelenskyy as global leaders gathered in Munich for a major security conference.
The prime minister’s stance contradicts the message that came out of Washington earlier this week, following comments by the US defence secretary.
Pete Hegseth told Ukraine’s allies on Wednesday that the US does not see Nato membership for Kyiv as part of a solution to the ongoing war. In comments delivered on Wednesday, Hegseth also said it is “unrealistic” for Ukraine’s borders to return to what it was like before Russia invaded Crimea in 2014.
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Trump, who endorsed Hegseth’s comments, held a a 90-minute phone call with Vladimir Putin this week, in which it was purportedly agreed that talks to end the war in Ukraine should start “immediately”.
“We each talked about the strengths of our respective nations, and the great benefit that we will someday have in working together”, Trump said in a social media post. “But first, as we both agreed, we want to stop the millions of deaths taking place in the War with Russia/Ukraine.”
Zelenskyy has also had an hour-long phone call with Trump this week. Commenting after, the Ukraine president said they “agreed to maintain further contact and plan upcoming meetings”.
The full No 10 statement on the UK PM’s call with Zelenskyy reads: “The prime minister spoke to the president of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, this morning.
“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.”
A statement on Zelenskyy’s social media said: “I informed prime minister Starmer about my discussion with president Trump and contacts with the American side. The Ukrainian and American teams must work together with Europeans and all our global partners to achieve concrete results.
“The security of each nation depends on strengthening our collective security. It is crucial that every new week brings tangible results that will ensure a lasting and reliable peace.
“We also discussed an action plan for the near future to shape a common strategy on security, economic cooperation, and political partnership.”
Josh Self is Editor of Politics.co.uk, follow him on Bluesky here.
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