Donald Trump has paused intelligence sharing and military aid to Ukraine in a move Keir Starmer heard will ‘mean more brave Ukrainians will die’
Europe is holding its breath amid speculation Keir Starmer, Volodymyr Zelensky and Emmanuel Macron could return to Washington for another meeting with Donald Trump.
The US has suspended intelligence sharing with Kyiv – sparking fears it may not be able to defend itself against missile attacks. Mr Starmer was yesterday warned by Lib Dem leader Sir Ed Davey that the White House’s actions will “mean more brave Ukrainians will die and further embolden Putin”.
The PM insisted to sceptical MPs that Mr Trump remains a reliable ally amid signs tension between the US and Ukraine is thawing. Today CIA director John Ratcliffe confirmed the President had decided to “pause” the sharing of intelligence.
He said Mr Trump had “real questions” about Mr Zelensky’s commitment to the peace process. But after the Ukrainian leader wrote to the American President vowing to work with him, Mr Ratcliffe said: “I think on the military front and the intelligence front, the pause… I think will go away.
“And I think we’ll work shoulder to shoulder with Ukraine as we have to push back on the aggression that’s there.” During PMQs Mr Starmer said he was doing everything he could to soothe tensions between Mr Trump and Mr Zelensky.
This could see him return to Washington DC alongside the French and Ukrainian leaders, who are working on a new peace plan. Sophie Primas, a spokeswoman for Mr Macron, told reporters: “It is envisaged that President Macron could eventually travel again to Washington with President Zelensky and his British counterpart.”
The French President’s office later said no trip is yet being planned. Meanwhile Mr Stamer aimed a veiled swipe at Mr Trump’s sidekick, JD Vance, as he paid an emotional tribute to British troops killed in Iraq and Afghanistan.
The Vice President sparked fury this week for appearing to brand the UK “some random country that hasn’t fought a war in 30 years”. After fierce criticism Mr Vance claimed he was not talking about the UK or France.
The PM opened PMQs by naming soldiers who gave their lives in Afghanistan, saying: “These men fought and died for their country, our country, and across the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, 642 individuals died fighting for Britain alongside our allies. Many more were wounded. We will never forget their bravery and their sacrifice, and I know the whole House will join me in remembering them and all those who serve our country.”
Pressed by Lib Dem leader Sir Ed on whether the UK could still depend on the Trump administration, the PM said: “We work very closely with the United States on defence, on security and on intelligence. We have done for many, many years, we’re intertwined.
“And, of course, they’re a reliable ally we are operating on that basis day in, day out.” EU leaders will meet in Brussels today(THUR) to discuss the crisis amid calls to commit troops in a peacekeeping force if a deal to end the war is reached.
Mr Zelensky has been invited to address the summit. Ahead of the meeting, European Council President Antonio Costa said: “We are living in a defining moment for Ukraine and European security.”
Mr Starmer has said he is prepared to send British troops – but warned without a guarantee of US support, Putin will strike again. It comes after ugly scenes in the US on Tuesday night as the President delivered a speech in Congress.
As Trump walked into the chamber, Democrat Representative Melanie Stansbury held up a sign that read “This is NOT Normal” behind his head. Rep. Lance Gooden, a Texas Republican, ripped it away and threw it in the air.
Later, Rep. Al Green was thrown out of the chamber for repeatedly shouting “You don’t have a mandate” at Trump. He is thought to be the first congressman ever ejected from the chamber during a joint address or State of the Union speech.
During the speech, Trump complained that the opposition party refused to stand or clap for his “astronomical achievements.” “I realise there is absolutely nothing I can say to make them happy or make them stand and smile or applaud,” Trump said.
After a day of relative quiet from Trump as he prepared for the speech, he told the joint session Mr Zelensky’s letter was “important” and showed Ukraine’s president was ready to “come to the negotiating table” But he added: “Simultaneously, we’ve had serious discussions with Russia and have received strong signals that they are ready for peace.”