London (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Reform UK leader Nigel Farage reacted to the heated debate between Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelensky, warning that it would strengthen Putin’s position.
Mr Farage commented on the intense White House dispute as Ukrainian President Zelensky heads to London for a high-stakes European summit on Sunday.
What did Nigel Farage say about the Trump-Zelensky dispute?
Reform leader described the clash as “regrettable” and warned that its consequences could make Putin “feel like the winner.”
His comments followed a heated confrontation between Ukraine’s leader and the US president at the White House, which raised concerns among European leaders about future security agreements.
Posting on X to express his views, Farage stated,
“The White House spat last night is regrettable and will make Putin feel like the winner.”
He added,
“But this is not the end of the story, far from it. A peace deal is essential and Ukraine needs the right security guarantees.”
The spat in the White House last night is regrettable and will make Putin feel like the winner.
— Nigel Farage MP (@Nigel_Farage) March 1, 2025
But this is not the end of the story, far from it.
A peace deal is essential and Ukraine needs the right security guarantees.
What happened during the Zelensky and Trump meeting?
The Ukrainian President visited Washington, DC to negotiate a ceasefire agreement with Russia and explore a potential mineral partnership with America.
However, his visit concluded unexpectedly, after a heated exchange in the Oval Office, a planned deal signing and joint press conference with Donald Trump were called off.
Following the important discussion, Trump and Zelenskyy addressed the media, offering their responses.
What did Donald Trump say after meeting Zelensky?
Right after the clash, the US president posted on X, calling the meeting “very meaningful” and adding,
“Much was learned that could never be understood without conversation under such fire and pressure.”
Mr Trump added,
“It’s amazing what comes out through emotion, and I have determined that President Zelenskyy is not ready for Peace if America is involved, because he feels our involvement gives him a big advantage in negotiations.
He continued,
“I don’t want advantage, I want PEACE. He disrespected the United States of America in its cherished Oval Office. He can come back when he is ready for Peace.”
“We had a very meaningful meeting in the White House today. Much was learned that could never be understood without conversation under such fire and pressure. It’s amazing what comes out through emotion, and I have determined that President Zelenskyy is not ready for Peace if… pic.twitter.com/CtnqXBNcW3
— President Donald J. Trump (@POTUS) February 28, 2025
Volodymyr Zelenskyy views after meeting Trump
Volodymyr Zelenskyy addressed the situation, stating that the planned lunch between him, Trump, and their delegation in the White House cabinet room was called off, with untouched food quickly packed away.
He said,
“Thank you America, thank you for your support, thank you for this visit,”
Adding,
“Thank you @POTUS, Congress, and the American people. Ukraine needs just and lasting peace, and we are working exactly for that.”
How did Keir Starmer respond after the Trump-Zelensky clash?
Number 10 confirmed that Sir Keir had phone conversations with both Donald Trump and Zelenskyy following their heated exchange.
The spokesperson stated,
“He [Sir Keir] retains unwavering support for Ukraine, and is doing all he can to find a path forward to a lasting peace based on sovereignty and security for Ukraine.”
They continued that Sir Keir was “looking forward” to welcoming Mr Zelenskyy to the UK for a global leaders’ summit on Sunday in London.
What did Keir Starmer accuse Nigel Farage?
Labour leader Nigel Farage, accusing him of “fawning over Putin.” Meanwhile, SNP leader Stephen Flynn also alleged that Reform UK MPs were “Putin’s poodles” for their absence in major defence and security discussions in Parliament.
However, in response Mr Farage rejected the claims, stating that Starmer seemed “terribly upset” and “scared” of his growing influence.
What did Luke Tryl say about Reform’s stance on Ukraine and Russia?
More in Common’s director, Luke Tryl, stated that Reform UK’s stance on Ukraine and Russia is out of sync with British public opinion. He highlighted that seven in 10 Britons back Ukraine’s success and suggested that Farage’s remarks on Putin may have slowed Reform’s electoral surge.
He added that while Reform has seen a decline in recent polls, the dip could be attributed to global events rather than specific concerns regarding Reform’s position on Russia.