UK Treasury minister Darren Jones has reaffirmed the UK government’s “resolute” Ukraine support, despite concerns that incoming US President Donald Trump may push the country to concede territory to Russia. Speaking on Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg, Jones emphasized that Ukraine should regain its full territory, rejecting any notion of conceding to Russia’s illegal invasions.
Jones refrained from commenting on “hypothetical scenarios” about Trump’s potential policies but reiterated that the UK’s commitment to Ukraine is unwavering, citing continued financial and military support in line with NATO commitments. Conservative shadow foreign secretary Dame Priti Patel echoed this sentiment, stressing the need for a “shared way of working” with the US on Ukraine. She firmly stated that Ukraine should not have to surrender Crimea.
Trump, during his election campaign, described the Russia-Ukraine conflict as a drain on US resources and suggested he could end the war quickly. A paper by his former national security advisers proposed that the US continue providing weapons to Ukraine but make support conditional on Kyiv entering peace talks with Russia, with a delay in Ukraine’s NATO membership as part of the deal.
Despite Russia’s mounting casualties, UK Defence Chief Sir Tony Radakin noted that Russia continues making territorial gains, increasing pressure on Ukraine. Radakin emphasized Russia’s heavy economic burden, with over 40% of its public spending now allocated to defence.
Former Labour minister Lord Peter Mandelson stressed that Ukraine’s freedom is non-negotiable, calling for the UK and US to work together to secure Ukraine’s independence and ensure Russia cannot invade again. Meanwhile, the UK is committed to meeting NATO’s 2% defence spending target, with plans to increase it to 2.5%.
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