Photo: EPA
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said he has a “very bad feeling” about how the Middle East conflict could affect the war in Ukraine, adding that peace negotiations are “constantly being postponed.” He also urged Donald Trump and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer to meet and reach a common position, following repeated criticism of the British leader by the US president, according to BBC.
“I would very much like Trump to meet with Starmer so they can come to a shared position,” Zelenskyy said.
The war has evolved into a diplomatic dispute after Trump criticized NATO allies, while Starmer reportedly refrained from military action. In a recent statement, Trump said the British prime minister was “not Winston Churchill,” adding that although he considers him a “nice person,” he is “disappointed.” Starmer responded firmly, stressing that United Kingdom would not allow itself to be drawn into a broader war.
Last week, Zelenskyy visited Paris and is scheduled to travel to Madrid on March 18. These trips come as the Middle East conflict diverts attention from Kyiv’s ongoing struggle against the full-scale invasion by Russia. Starmer emphasized that it is crucial for global focus to remain on Ukraine.
“Regimes in Russia and Iran are similar because they are built on hatred, which is why they are allies in arms,” Zelenskyy said. “We want such regimes never to prevail or threaten Europe or our partners.”
The United Kingdom had initially refused to allow the US to carry out strikes from Royal Air Force bases, citing international law. Later, Starmer adjusted the position, stating that such bases could be used for “specific and limited defensive purposes.” However, Trump said he was “very disappointed” with the initial decision and repeatedly criticized the British government, claiming that relations between the two countries are “no longer what they used to be.”
Trump also later criticized the UK again following reports of possible deployment of British aircraft carriers to the Middle East, stating that Washington “no longer needs” such support. According to four EU diplomats involved in talks with Ukraine, the US “peace campaign” to end Russia’s war against Ukraine is losing momentum, as Trump shows less interest in negotiations and his conflict with Iran diverts attention from pressure on Russia.
Diplomats noted that this benefits Russia due to rising oil prices, a slowdown in US sanctions, and the rapid depletion of ammunition needed by Ukraine.
