A senior UK minister has backed former U.S. President Donald Trump’s diplomatic efforts to restart peace talks with Russia, despite criticism over Ukraine’s exclusion from initial discussions.
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson stated that Trump was right to re-establish ties with Russian President Vladimir Putin to pave the way for negotiations aimed at ending the war in Ukraine. Speaking on the BBC’s Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg, Phillipson emphasized that “there can be no negotiated peace without Russia” and credited Trump’s approach for bringing Moscow to the table.
Trump has faced backlash for sidelining Ukraine after his aides held talks with Russian officials in Saudi Arabia last week. He also suggested that Ukraine had little leverage in negotiations, saying it had “no cards” to play in the deal.
Meanwhile, UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer is set to meet Trump in Washington this week, where he will advocate for Ukraine to be “at the heart” of any peace discussions.
Phillipson reaffirmed the UK’s stance that lasting peace requires Ukraine’s participation. “Any settlement must include Ukrainian voices, with President Zelensky playing a central role,” she said. However, she also acknowledged the risks posed by Putin, stating that the UK remains cautious of Russia’s strategic intentions.
Ahead of his visit to the U.S., Starmer assured President Zelensky of Britain’s “ironclad” support for Ukraine. His diplomatic tour follows French President Emmanuel Macron’s meeting with Trump in Washington earlier this week.
Starmer has also echoed Trump’s call for European nations to take greater responsibility for their security. Speaking at the Scottish Labour Conference in Glasgow, he stressed the need for increased defense spending and reaffirmed the UK’s readiness to contribute to any post-war security efforts in Ukraine.
