Burnham Reaffirms Support for Zelensky Amid US Ukraine Tensions

Britain will continue supporting Ukraine as diplomatic tensions between Washington and Kyiv intensify over a US decision to ease restrictions on Russian diesel trade. Prime Minister Andy Burnham reaffirmed his support for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky during a phone call on Saturday, according to a statement from 10 Downing Street.

Burnham acknowledged the difficulties Ukraine had faced over the preceding 24 hours and pledged to strengthen sanctions against Russia. The two leaders also agreed to meet in person in the coming days to continue their discussions, the statement said.

The conversation followed remarks by US President Donald Trump, who called for Ukraine to have a new president on Saturday. Trump accused Zelensky of failing to secure a peace agreement with Russia and blamed him for high diesel prices in the United States.

According to the Downing Street statement, Burnham expressed his position directly during the call.

"Complete solidarity" said Andy Burnham, Britain's prime minister.

The British leader also said the United Kingdom would continue tightening sanctions against Russia. The planned in-person meeting is intended to allow Burnham and Zelensky to continue their discussions amid the growing disagreement over US policy toward Russian energy trade.

Washington announced measures on Friday to ease sanctions affecting Russian diesel trade, prompting criticism from the Ukrainian president. Zelensky argued that allowing Russia to sell petroleum products would provide economic support for its military campaign.

The disagreement highlights conflicting positions over the relationship between energy trade, economic restrictions on Russia and efforts to end the war in Ukraine. The British government has reiterated its commitment to maintaining pressure on Moscow, according to the Downing Street statement.