Keir Starmer Fires Back! New Ukraine Aid Package Takes Aim at Trump’s ‘Do Nothing’ Claims
Amid growing disagreements between the US and Europe on how to stop the war in Ukraine, Sir Keir Starmer plans to challenge Donald Trump with a new aid plan for Ukraine. This comes just hours after Trump said Starmer had “done nothing” about the conflict. Starmer is expected to announce a set of three measures on February 24, marking the third anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Earlier this week, Trump called Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky a dictator and pressured him to end the war. He also criticized Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron, saying they did nothing to stop the fighting. Trump complained that the war continues with no talks with Russia or any real actions taken—even though he mentioned that Macron is a friend of his.
In a surprising move, the US hinted it might leave an international group that is trying to hold Russia accountable for war crimes. At a meeting with key countries planning a trial similar to the Nuremberg trials for Russian President Vladimir Putin, US representatives refused to label Russia as an “aggressor.” Trump’s team is also not supporting a United Nations statement backing Ukraine’s borders and is demanding that Moscow pull its troops out of Ukraine.
To try and get Trump to ease his stance, Starmer and Macron will travel to Washington to meet him. The UK Prime Minister will also deliver an invitation from the King for a state visit to the UK, making Trump the first elected leader in modern times to receive such an invitation twice.
Even though Starmer’s aid plan might upset the White House, a government source said the goal is to make Ukraine as strong as possible—whether for negotiations or continued fighting.
A new package of measures, including military aid and sanctions, is being prepared in Whitehall to show Britain’s support for Ukraine. The Ministry of Defence is set to announce details of this aid, which may include more weapons for Ukraine, though nothing is final yet.
The Foreign Office will also reveal new sanctions against Russia, targeting funds that support Putin and Russian oligarchs. Officials in Whitehall have called these measures a “triple whammy” to clearly show the UK’s backing for Kyiv.
On Monday, Defence Secretary John Healey will explain the extra aid, and Foreign Secretary David Lammy is expected to speak in Parliament. It is also expected that Starmer will soon announce when the UK will raise its defence spending from 2.3% to 2.5% of GDP—a move meant to show Trump that Downing Street is responding to his call for more spending on defence by European nations.
