Indeed, it seems that he is using the war for his own political ends, falsely claiming that the US has given Ukraine over $350 Billion in aid while the real number is likely in the ballpark of $180 Billion. He is using this false number to leverage his new rare-minerals deal, which (if it comes to fruition) will prove extremely lucrative for the US; the number being touted is $500 billion. No other country has attempted to collect on the money given to Ukraine to date (let alone sought a profit), going further to show just how much bad faith the US is acting with on this matter.
This breakdown of international cohesion should not be treated as a loss, but an opportunity.
Our ‘special relationship’ with the US is certainly deteriorating, as are the rest of the global hegemon’s democratic connections. I would point to a common proverb here- “When one door closes, another one opens”. This breakdown of international cohesion should not be treated as a loss, but an opportunity. There is no better time for the UK to take a firm stance on this issue, Starmer’s increase in defence spending, his peacekeepers plan with Macron as well as his assurance that he will back Ukraine’s voice on this matter in his talks with Trump today (26/02/25) are very positive developments on this front. This is the path back to global relevance for the UK, this is how we can maintain and rebuild our European bonds after Brexit and the tumultuous years since. The absolute worst thing we can do is capitulate to America here, it is time to realise that this ‘special relationship’ could become distressingly one-sided distressingly quick if we don’t stick to our guns.
I am (for once) feeling optimistic about our trajectory as a country, the lines he is taking on this matter indicate that Keir Starmer is perfectly willing to go against Trump. This is going to be vital for our European relations.