Burnham Slams Trump's Putin Deal as 'Dark Moment' for Ukraine

Prime Minister Andy Burnham on Wednesday described Donald Trump's recent agreement with Vladimir Putin as a "dark moment" for Ukraine and stated his intention to "repair bridges" between the United States and Kyiv. The comments came as Burnham prepared to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Downing Street.

Trump's administration has eased sanctions on Russian diesel ahead of crucial midterm elections in the U.S., a move overshadowed by rising fuel prices. Trump has also recently suggested that Ukraine needs a new leader and that Putin desires a peace deal more than Kyiv.

These developments follow an accusation from Ukraine on Wednesday that the U.S. had aided Russia's war effort, citing a throttling of key internet services. Reports indicate that a speed limit introduced on some Starlink services, owned by SpaceX, a company associated with Trump ally Elon Musk, left Kyiv with little warning of Russian attacks.

Burnham, speaking in the House of Commons before his meeting with Zelensky, acknowledged the weight carried by the Ukrainian President. "I called him on Saturday because I recognised it was another very dark and difficult moment for him as they contemplate a winter that will be severe for his people," Burnham said.

He emphasized his role in mending relations, stating, "What I have to do in my role is try and repair bridges so that the support comes back. So I should, at this moment in time, be careful in terms of laying the ground to bring people back together." Burnham assured MPs that Zelensky would not leave Britain empty-handed.

The Prime Minister's remarks were prompted by a challenge from Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey, who urged condemnation of Trump's actions. Davey characterized the easing of sanctions as a "shameful Trump betrayal of the Ukrainian people and European security."