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UK does not support Trump-Putin diesel deal, says defence secretary Streeting
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Figure caption: UK 'does not support' Trump-Putin diesel deal, says defence secretary Streeting
By Kate Whannel, Political reporter
Published 15 minutes ago
The UK does not support Donald Trump's deal with Vladimir Putin, which would see the US purchase millions of tonnes of diesel from Russia, Defence Secretary Wes Streeting has said.
Speaking to Radio 4's Broadcasting House, he stated:
"The US and other allies should focus on increasing pressure on Russia to shorten the war 'and to secure Ukraine's freedom'."
The US-Russia deal aims to lower fuel prices in America, which have risen following the US and Israel's conflict with Iran.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed concerns that the agreement would allow Moscow to raise funds for new military equipment.
Trump suggested Ukraine should "get a new leader" who could negotiate with Russia to end the ongoing conflict.
Streeting responded by emphasizing Ukraine's right to choose its leadership but reaffirmed his country's support for Ukraine, highlighting their significant contributions:
"...we're seeing US support for Ukraine in a number of ways from the provision of weapons... through to intelligence support and through the diplomatic initiative that Washington is leading."
He also criticized the diesel deal as sending "all the wrong messages" and called for increased defense spending.
Conservative shadow chancellor Andrew Griffith agreed, stating: "The US is our closest ally but even close allies can disagree."
Streeting further discussed the UK's defense planning, suggesting they need to prepare for a potential Russian attack on NATO by 2030, emphasizing that "strength is the best form of deterrence."