Burnham condemns US sanctions easing as Ukraine meeting looms
Prime Minister Andy Burnham called the US easing of sanctions on Russian diesel a “dark moment” for Ukraine and said he would try to repair relations between Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelensky. He made the comments as he prepared to meet the Ukrainian president in Downing Street, reaffirming Britain’s support for Kyiv while taking care not to inflame tensions with Washington.
The sanctions change comes amid high fuel prices and ahead of US mid-term elections. Trump has also suggested Ukraine should replace Zelensky and said Putin wants a peace deal more than Kyiv; Ukraine has accused the US of helping Russia after limits on some Starlink services reportedly reduced warning of Russian attacks. Burnham said Zelensky would not leave Britain empty-handed, while Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey urged the Prime Minister to condemn Trump’s actions.
- Burnham called the US sanctions move a “dark moment” for Ukraine.
- He said he would work to repair Trump-Zelensky relations.
- Zelensky was due to meet Burnham in Downing Street.
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Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine began in 2022, and Ukraine has since relied on military and financial support from the United States, Britain and other allies. Sanctions are restrictions on trade and finance intended to pressure Russia over the war; fuel is a key source of Russian income.
The United States, under President Donald Trump, and Britain have both influenced the international response to the war. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky leads Ukraine’s government, while Russian President Vladimir Putin leads Russia. Their countries’ relations with Washington matter because US policy can affect Ukraine’s ability to defend itself and the prospects for negotiations.
Britain has backed Ukraine and has sought to maintain cooperation with the United States, a major ally. Disagreements among Ukraine’s supporters could affect military assistance, diplomatic efforts and the balance of pressure on Russia.
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The case for
Easing sanctions on Russian diesel could give Moscow additional revenue and weaken pressure intended to constrain its war, at a moment when Ukraine says limits on Starlink services have impaired its defences. From this perspective, Britain should clearly condemn the move and reassure Kyiv that its sovereignty and security remain priorities.
The case against
With fuel prices high and US mid-term elections approaching, easing some sanctions may be defended as a way to ease pressure on energy costs and preserve room for diplomacy. From this perspective, Britain should avoid escalating a dispute with Washington, whose cooperation may be important to securing a peace deal and sustaining support for Ukraine.
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Originally published by Daily Mail as “Burnham brands Trump deal with Putin a ‘dark moment’ for Ukraine as he meets with Zelensky – with PM bidding to win back US support for Kyiv”.