Burnham assures Zelensky of ‘complete solidarity’ amid Trump’s diesel deal
Prime Minister Andy Burnham has reiterated his “complete solidarity” with Ukraine in a call with Volodymyr Zelensky after Donald Trump announced a deal to buy diesel from Moscow.
Mr Burnham said he recognised the past day had been “difficult for Ukraine” and the two talked about the importance of keeping up pressure on Russia.
They agreed to meet in person in the coming days to continue talks.
Mr Trump announced the deal to buy more than one million tonnes of diesel from Russia on Friday, as rising fuel prices heaped political pressure on him ahead of next month’s mid-term elections in the US.
A Downing Street spokesperson said on Saturday: “The Prime Minister spoke with President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine today.
“The Prime Minister began by recognising the last 24 hours had been difficult for Ukraine and reiterated his complete solidarity.
“The two leaders next discussed the importance of maintaining pressure on Russia: the Prime Minister made it clear that the UK would continue to strengthen its sanctions on Russia and to take further action to constrain the Russian war machine, building on new UK designations against Russian targets announced this week.
“They underlined that Russia should agree to an immediate energy ceasefire, ending its brutal strikes on Ukrainian infrastructure and its attacks on shipping in the Black Sea. This would immediately release more energy and food supplies into the global market.
“The two leaders agreed to meet in person in the coming days to continue their discussion.”
Mr Zelensky had criticised the move by Mr Trump, saying it “plays into Russia’s hands” and would prolong the war.
The US president meanwhile lashed out at the Ukrainian leader on Saturday, suggesting Mr Zelensky had not done enough to end the war with Russia.
Speaking at the White House, he said: “I suggest they get a new leader who can make a deal″, adding that ”for some reason (Zelensky) never does.”
He added: “I think it’s time for Ukraine to get a new president.”
Mr Trump posted on social media saying he had struck the deal with Russian president Vladimir Putin in a phone call.
The call was expected to discuss a suspected case of plague in Russia, but instead Mr Trump said afterwards that Moscow would immediately supply more than 300,000 tonnes of diesel, followed by an additional 500,000 tonnes in November and one million tonnes “immediately thereafter”.
Russia will deliver an additional three million tonnes “within a short period of time” after that, he wrote.
The announcement came after Mr Trump signed a sweeping Russia sanctions law just last month aimed at clamping down on the oil and gas revenues that fuel Russia’s war against Ukraine.
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Trump was always putins stooge. Treason in the Whitehouse.
Quote: “I think it’s time for Ukraine to get a new president.”
This from a President who incited a riot in an attempt to overturn an election. Putin on the other hand has been in power since the turn of the Millennium.
He might as well say “I think Ukrainians should self-erase their identity and heritage because otherwise my friend Vlad will wipe ’em all out.”
Reporting now saying the Ukraine negotiating team was in the US at the time of the announcement. The US is aligning with Russia. Scrub that. Now aligned with Russia. The diesel isn’t the story here, the way the US is going should be scaring everyone. Time to cut ties and get with the EU.
Despite farages love in with Trump, the US is not a good partner. Anyone heard from farage and kemi?
Trump wants Zelenskyy removed as the democratically elected president of Ukraine so that Putin can take over and finish the job of mass murdering civilians and reclaiming the area as Russian territory. America’s betrayal of the Ukrainian people, and the global rules based order, will not be conveniently forgiven or forgotten. It’s time for Europe to turn away from USA.
Beware of Burnham promises. They are as common as raindrops. And just as permanent
And Rhun is no different
Does this mean that Westminster is slowly accepting the reality that the US is not a reliable partner or ally?
German Teenagers are throwing their advisory Conscription forms for Military Service in the Bin.
Massive respect to them for doing so.
Agreed. Why fight for a government that screws you over?
I served my country (but never deployed). I am way too old now, so would never be called back. But if I was, I wouldn’t. Because my country has betrayed and demonised people like me and very few stood with us. Anyone who invades this country can have it afaic. Can’t do worse to my people than UK politicians already have.