Published: 10:43, October 11, 2026
British PM reiterates solidarity with Zelensky amid US-Ukraine tensions
By Xinhua

Britain's Prime Minister Andy Burnham meets with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on the sidelines of the 81st United Nations General Assembly, in New York City, NY, Sept 22, 2026. (PHOTO/POOL VIA AP)

LONDON – British Prime Minister Andy Burnham on Saturday reiterated his "complete solidarity" with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky amid tensions between Washington and Kyiv over a US-Russia agreement on diesel supplies.

During a phone call with Zelensky, Burnham acknowledged that the past 24 hours had been difficult for Ukraine and reiterated his complete solidarity, according to a statement from 10 Downing Street.

Burnham said Britain would continue 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.

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The phone call came after US President Donald Trump said Saturday that Ukraine should have a new president, accusing Zelensky of failing to reach a peace agreement with Russia and blaming him for high diesel prices in the United States.

On Friday, Washington announced measures to ease sanctions on Russian diesel trade. Zelensky criticized the move, saying that allowing Russia to sell petroleum products would amount to investing in the war.