Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch has sharply criticized former U.S. President Donald Trump’s approach to ending the war in Ukraine, warning that his proposed plan would effectively “reward” Russian President Vladimir Putin for his military aggression.
Speaking at the Policy Exchange think tank in a significant foreign policy address, Badenoch warned that the longstanding era of “Pax Americana”—a period of global stability maintained by the United States—was “evolving, potentially even ending.”
She took specific issue with Trump’s recent remarks branding Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky a “dictator,” asserting that such a label was more fitting for Putin.
“Putin was a dictator and she would be happy to tell Trump this to his face,” Badenoch declared.
She emphasized the strategic importance of Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s upcoming visit to the White House, arguing that it was “absolutely critical” for Starmer to use the meeting to persuade Trump to distance himself from the Kremlin.
“An end to the war is being negotiated while a fifth of Ukrainian territory is under enemy occupation,” Badenoch cautioned.
“The danger is that aggression does not merely go unpunished, but ends up rewarded. Russia and other authoritarian regimes will be emboldened, if that is how this war ends.”
Badenoch also addressed Britain’s defense strategy, contending that the previous commitment to increasing defense spending to 2.5% of GDP by 2030 was no longer adequate.
“2.5 per cent by 2030 is now no longer sufficient,” she stated, urging Starmer’s government to seek alternative funding sources to bolster defense capabilities.
“I will back the Prime Minister in taking those difficult decisions to increase defence spending,” she said.
Badenoch suggested that Starmer should consider reallocating “some of the 0.5% currently spent on development aid” toward defense and security, at least temporarily. She also proposed identifying “welfare savings” as a potential funding source for increased military expenditure.
With tensions still high over the war in Ukraine and shifting global alliances, Badenoch’s remarks signal a push for a more assertive UK defense policy and a firm stance against any peace deal perceived as appeasing Putin.
