Keir Starmer under pressure to respond to Trump's 'dictator' remark about Zelenskyy
ft.com —
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer faces pressure to criticize Donald Trump for calling Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy a "dictator." Starmer is cautious ahead of his upcoming White House visit, aiming to maintain good relations with the US. Trump's comments have drawn backlash, including from German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, who defended Zelenskyy's democratic legitimacy. UK ministers privately acknowledge Starmer's reluctance to confront Trump directly before their meeting. UK Defence Secretary John Healey countered Trump's claims about Ukraine starting the war, emphasizing Ukraine's fight for freedom. Meanwhile, Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch also defended Zelenskyy, asserting he is a democratically elected leader.