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Britain’s Defense Minister Pushes Back Against Trump Over Russian Fuel Talks
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The UK does not back an arrangement between US President Donald Trump and Russian leader Vladimir Putin involving the purchase of millions of tons of diesel fuel, according to British Defense Secretary Wes Streeting.
Speaking on the BBC Radio 4 program Broadcasting House, Streeting pointed out that the arrangement came about as the US president prepares for the November election and at a time when leaders worldwide are facing pressure to lower living costs for their citizens.
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He stated that the US and other partners should focus on increasing pressure on Moscow to shorten the duration of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine and guarantee freedom for the country.
The fuel arrangement aims to lower American fuel prices, which surged following an escalation between the US and Israel on one side and Iran on the other.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy cautioned that the arrangement would provide Moscow with resources to purchase new military hardware and continue Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Zelenskyy also rejected Trump’s suggestion regarding a change in Ukrainian leadership, emphasizing that choosing a leader remains an internal matter for Ukrainians.
Streeting noted that Ukraine is fortunate to have a leader of such courage and integrity heading its war effort. He stressed that responsibility for Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine rests entirely and solely on Putin and his imperial ambitions, BBC reported.
The defense minister acknowledged that this is not the first instance of public differences between Washington and Kyiv, noting that in such circumstances, Britain views its role “as working to bring friends back together.”
He underscored US assistance to Ukraine, stating that the scale of American support is often underestimated, spanning weapon deliveries, intelligence support, and Washington-led diplomatic initiatives.
Shadow Chancellor Andrew Griffith of the Conservative Party stated that Trump is mistaken in calling for Zelenskyy’s resignation, adding that while the US is Britain's closest ally, even close allies can disagree, according to BBC.
Griffith criticized the diesel arrangement, arguing that it sends the wrong signal and that those seeking a peaceful world should adequately fund defense and prepare for security challenges rather than enter such agreements. Streeting added that Great Britain must plan its defense spending based on the possibility of a Russian attack on NATO by 2030.
UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham had previously announced a technology transfer agreement that will allow Ukraine to domestically produce Storm Shadow cruise missiles.
British and French defense companies will participate in establishing local manufacturing for the air-launched precision weapons, which France operates as the SCALP-EG.
The localized production is intended to reduce Ukraine’s reliance on Western stockpiles and enable independent strikes against Russian supply chains and high-value military targets.
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