Keir Starmer has been left “humiliated” after Donald Trump announced the suspension of US military aid to Ukraine, despite the Prime Minister’s assurances just days earlier that America had no plans to halt its support.
Two days before the US decision was revealed, Starmer told MPs that the US was a “reliable ally” and that military aid to Ukraine would continue. However, a White House official confirmed overnight that President Trump had decided to “pause and review” the aid to ensure that it contributes to a peaceful resolution of the war.
The official stated: “The president has been clear that he is focused on peace. We need our partners to be committed to that goal as well.”
The sudden shift in US policy has sparked widespread criticism, with Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey accusing Trump of “humiliating” those who had claimed the US would remain steadfast in its support for Ukraine. Davey tweeted, “By suspending all military aid to Ukraine, Donald Trump has humiliated the people who pretended he was a reliable ally only in search of peace.”
The decision has left other political figures equally concerned. Tory leader Kemi Badenoch described the move as “profoundly worrying,” while SNP Westminster leader Stephen Flynn questioned Starmer’s previous comments, asking: “Why does the PM believe Trump is a reliable ally?”
Despite the backlash, Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner refused to criticise Trump. Speaking to broadcasters, she stated: “What the US government decides to do, that’s entirely their decision, but the UK and the Prime Minister is very clear on our support for Ukraine and that we need that peace deal.”
Rayner added that the UK would continue to push for peace, with or without US military aid, and that the focus remains on securing a peace deal with the support of both the US and European partners.
As tensions continue to rise, the suspension of US aid has left questions about the future of Ukraine’s international support and the balance of power in global diplomacy.
