Defence Secretary Wes Streeting has confirmed that the United Kingdom does not support Donald Trump’s agreement with Vladimir Putin, under which the United States would purchase millions of tonnes of Russian diesel. Speaking to BBC Radio 4’s Broadcasting House, Streeting described the deal as an election-year move by the US president aimed at lowering domestic fuel prices, which have risen due to the conflict involving the US and Israel and Iran.
Streeting argued that rather than engaging in such transactions, Washington and its allies should concentrate on increasing pressure on Russia to expedite the end of the war and secure Ukraine’s freedom. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has warned that the agreement provides Moscow with funds to procure new military equipment, thereby prolonging the conflict.
In response to Zelensky’s criticisms, Trump suggested that Ukraine should appoint a new leader capable of negotiating a settlement with Russia. Streeting declined to comment on Ukraine’s internal leadership choices but praised Zelensky’s “courage and integrity,” adding that responsibility for the war rests “squarely and solely” with Putin and his “imperialist ambitions.”
The defence secretary acknowledged that public disagreements between Washington and Kyiv are not unprecedented, stating that the UK sees it as its role to help reconcile its allies. He emphasized that American support for Ukraine remains robust, citing weapons procurement, intelligence sharing, and diplomatic initiatives led by the US.
Conservative shadow chancellor Andrew Griffith also criticized Trump’s remarks, stating that while the US is Britain’s closest ally, even close partners can disagree. Appearing on the BBC’s Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg, Griffith called the diesel deal counterproductive, arguing that it sends the wrong message and that true peace requires proper defence funding and preparedness.
Looking ahead, Streeting outlined the need for the UK to prepare for the possibility of a Russian attack on Nato by 2030. He reiterated that while Britain does not seek conflict, “strength is the best form of deterrence.” Earlier this year, former defence secretary John Healey resigned, accusing the Starmer government of insufficient defence spending and calling for 3% of national income to be allocated to defence by 2030, up from an estimated 2.6% this year.
Streeting confirmed that Chancellor John Healey would address a £4.7bn funding gap in the upcoming Budget to support the Defence Investment Plan. Additionally, the government intends to outline a path toward increasing defence spending to 3.5% of national income by 2035 during next year’s Spending Review. When pressed on whether the UK could commit to reaching 3% of GDP by 2030, Streeting said he would always advocate for higher spending but insisted on demonstrating how it would be funded to avoid destabilizing borrowing costs.
I’m just surprised the diesel deal is still on the table. Doesn’t this directly contradict NATO’s united stance?
3.5% by 2035 sounds nice, but can they actually deliver it? Past governments have promised far more than they delivered.
Does anyone else find it concerning that Zelensky is being told to pick a new leader? That’s blatant interference.
Trump’s focus on lowering domestic fuel prices seems oddly specific for an election year. Strange timing indeed.
Thankfully the UK still has principles. Funding the very regime attacking Ukraine is completely unacceptable.