British Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch has pushed back against former U.S. President Donald Trump’s remarks on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Trump had criticized Zelenskyy, calling him a dictator who refused to hold elections and engaged in a war against Russia despite knowing he couldn’t win. He also accused Zelenskyy of influencing former President Joe Biden to secure financial aid.
Additionally, Trump criticized the European Union (EU) for failing to broker peace between Ukraine and Russia.
Responding via her 𝕏 handle on Wednesday, Badenoch rejected Trump’s characterization of Zelenskyy but agreed with his stance on the EU. She reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to supporting Ukraine under her leadership.
“President Zelenskyy is not a dictator. He is a democratically elected leader who has courageously resisted Putin’s illegal invasion. Under my leadership and successive Conservative Prime Ministers, we have stood and will continue to stand with Ukraine,” she stated.
Badenoch acknowledged Trump’s point about Europe’s role, emphasizing that the UK must also do more. She urged an increase in defense spending and called on opposition leader Keir Starmer to take action.
“President Trump is right that Europe must step up—and that includes the UK. We need to take this seriously. The Prime Minister has my support to boost defense spending, and there is already a fully funded plan to reach 2.5% on his desk. That should be the minimum. Starmer needs to act, fly to Washington, and show leadership. We cannot afford mistakes on this issue,” she added.
