Starmer Backs Ukraine’s NATO Bid Despite US Opposition
UK Reaffirms Support for Ukraine’s NATO Membership
UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has pledged the UK’s unwavering support for Ukraine’s bid to join NATO, despite opposition from the Trump administration.
Speaking with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Starmer reiterated the UK’s commitment to Ukraine’s “irreversible path” to NATO, as agreed at last year’s Washington Summit.
The call took place ahead of the Munich Security Conference, where world leaders will discuss global security threats, including Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Trump Administration Opposes Ukraine’s NATO Membership
In contrast, leading figures in Trump’s administration have downplayed Ukraine’s chances of joining NATO.
🛑 Trump’s Defense Secretary, Pete Hegseth, dismissed Ukraine’s NATO bid as “not a realistic prospect.”
🛑 He also stated that restoring Ukraine’s pre-2014 borders is unrealistic, signaling a softened stance toward Russia.
This marks a significant shift from the Biden administration, which had actively supported Ukraine’s integration into NATO.
Starmer: ‘No Talks About Ukraine Without Ukraine’
In a statement, Downing Street emphasized Starmer’s firm position:
✔ “The UK will support Ukraine for as long as needed.”
✔ “There can be no talks about Ukraine without Ukraine.”
✔ “Ukraine needs strong security guarantees and further lethal aid.”
Starmer also reaffirmed that NATO allies had already agreed in Washington that Ukraine’s membership path is irreversible.
Diplomatic Tensions Between the UK and the US?
While the UK remains committed to Kyiv, it must also balance relations with President Trump, who has taken a more conciliatory approach to Russia.
📞 Starmer and Trump spoke late Thursday about the UK leader’s upcoming visit to the US.
🤝 UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy met US Vice President JD Vance at the Munich Security Conference to discuss Europe’s defense commitments.
Zelensky: ‘Putin Is Not Preparing for Peace’
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky warned that Russian President Vladimir Putin is “not preparing for negotiations”, but rather “continuing to deceive the world.”
Zelensky urged allies to maintain pressure on Russia, stressing that Ukraine will not cede territory as part of any peace deal.
What’s Next for Ukraine’s NATO Bid?
Despite US hesitation, NATO’s official stance remains that Ukraine is on track to join. However, with a potential shift in US foreign policy under Trump, Ukraine’s path to NATO could become more uncertain.
As discussions continue at the Munich Security Conference, all eyes are on how Western allies will respond to Ukraine’s ongoing calls for military and diplomatic support.
External Source:BBC Coverage
Internal Source:Starmer backs
