Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner has reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to supporting Ukraine, stating that Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer will not be “derailed” by the United States’ decision to pause military assistance.
Speaking in Glasgow, Rayner emphasized that the prime minister remains “laser-focused on securing peace” and will continue diplomatic engagement with both President Donald Trump and European leaders. She acknowledged the gravity of the situation and stressed that the UK, alongside its European allies, remains steadfast in backing Ukraine.
The US decision to suspend military aid came following a high-level meeting on Monday. President Trump reportedly made the move after a heated exchange with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in the Oval Office last week, during which he warned Zelensky against “gambling with World War Three” by rejecting a ceasefire without US security assurances.
Downing Street confirmed that Starmer had spoken with both Trump and Zelensky on Monday, discussing the importance of securing a lasting and stable peace in Ukraine. However, No 10 refrained from commenting directly on the US aid suspension without further details.
Since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022, the US has provided approximately $66 billion (£52 billion) in military support to Ukraine, significantly outpacing the UK’s contribution of £7.8 billion. The aid freeze, which took immediate effect, halts over $1 billion (£790 million) worth of military supplies, including rockets, anti-tank weapons, and armored vehicles—key assets in Ukraine’s defense strategy.
The suspension of US aid increases pressure on Zelensky to consider peace talks and finalize a minerals deal with American companies. The Kremlin cautiously welcomed the move, with spokesperson Dmitry Peskov suggesting it could encourage Kyiv to engage in negotiations.
Despite the setback, Ukrainian MP Fedir Venislavsky stated that Ukraine’s existing stockpiles could sustain its defense efforts for six months without consistent US assistance. Meanwhile, US Vice-President JD Vance reiterated that peace talks remain an option if Kyiv is prepared for “serious discussions.”
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