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UK defence secretary Wes Streeting has said the UK does not support a proposed diesel deal between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin. Source: bbc.co.uk.
What Happened
Speaking on BBC Radio 4’s Broadcasting House, Streeting rejected the idea of a US purchase of Russian diesel.
The deal is said to aim at lowering fuel prices in the US, amid rising costs.
Streeting argued that such a deal would send the wrong message about global security and peace.
Key Facts
- The UK does not support the Trump-Putin diesel deal, according to Streeting.
- Streeting said the US and allies must increase pressure on Vladimir Putin to end the war in Ukraine.
- He stressed that responsibility for the war lies with Putin and his ‘imperialist ambitions’.
- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said the deal could allow Russia to fund new military equipment.
- Trump suggested Ukraine should ‘get a new leader’ to negotiate with Russia.
Why It Matters
Streeting defended the UK’s commitment to Ukraine, noting that US support includes weapons, intelligence, and diplomatic efforts.
He said the UK must plan for a potential Russian attack on NATO, calling strength the best form of deterrence.
He reiterated the need for UK defence spending to reach a target level, with a plan to increase spending over time.
Background: Defence Spending Plans
Former defence secretary John Healey resigned, citing insufficient funding for defence.
Streeting said Healey will use the upcoming Budget to address a funding gap for the Defence Investment Plan.
He added that a full path to increased defence spending will be laid out in next year’s Spending Review.
Political Reactions
Conservative shadow chancellor Andrew Griffith said Trump was ‘wrong’ to call for Zelensky to leave office.
Griffith said close allies can disagree, but the US should not undermine Ukraine’s leadership.
He criticised the diesel deal, saying it ‘sends out all the wrong messages’ and that proper defence funding is essential for peace.
What to Watch Next
UK defence spending plans will be central to next year’s Spending Review.
Any commitment to increased defence spending will require a clear funding path, as Streeting warned.
Trump’s proposal to replace Zelensky remains under scrutiny in international political circles.
Source: BBC News
Original article
