Burnham issues statement on Ukraine after holding fresh Trump talks
Prime Minister Andy Burnham held a phone call with US President Donald Trump on Monday, with both leaders agreeing on the need to keep working towards a ceasefire in Ukraine to prevent further loss of life. The call, confirmed by Downing Street, comes after US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner held talks in Kyiv on Sunday, following a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow the previous day, as part of continuing efforts to end Russia's war in Ukraine.
According to a Downing Street spokesperson, Burnham reiterated UK support for Ukraine and for the US-led peace negotiations, while also discussing the Middle East, stressing the importance of a Two-State Solution, reopening the Strait of Hormuz, and preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. The two leaders also touched on economic matters, with Burnham congratulating Trump on US employment figures and highlighting positive signs in the UK economy. The call follows a tense period in UK-Russia relations, after Britain last week summoned a senior Russian diplomat over a drone attack at Leipzig airport in Germany, which allies blamed on Russia; Trump said he did not believe Putin was seeking to attack NATO territory.
In short
- Burnham and Trump agree to keep pushing for a Ukraine ceasefire
- Talks follow US envoys' meetings with Putin and Ukraine's leadership
- Burnham also raised Middle East peace and UK economic progress
Explained simply
Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine began in 2022 and has caused widespread destruction and loss of life. Ukraine is defending itself with support from countries including the UK and the US, while diplomatic efforts have continued alongside the fighting.
The UK has backed Ukraine and supported US-led efforts to negotiate an end to the war. The main parties to any ceasefire agreement would be Ukraine and Russia, while the US and other countries are involved in trying to bring them towards a deal.
The issue matters because the war affects civilians in Ukraine and has raised wider concerns about security in Europe and relations between Russia and NATO, the alliance that includes the UK and US. The UK and US also discuss other international issues, including conflict in the Middle East.
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