Brief
Miliband urges standing with Ukraine as Trump claims Putin wants peace deal
Miliband pressed the US to back Ukraine after Trump suggested Putin wants a deal more than Zelensky.
By Felo News Desk · Published
UK Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband told his US counterpart that Britain must stand “shoulder to shoulder” with Ukraine, as President Donald Trump claimed Russian President Vladimir Putin wants a peace deal more than Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
What happened
Trump, speaking before a campaign rally in Ohio, said both leaders “have to get together and end that ridiculous war” and added that he believed Putin “wants to make a deal more than Zelensky”. He also asserted an energy cease‑fire was in place, saying, “Well, they agreed. Because I said, ‘You agree.’ That’s why they agreed, because I said they agree.” The comments came after Trump announced a controversial US‑Russia diesel supply deal intended to lower US fuel prices ahead of the November congressional elections.
What the reports add
The Standard reported that Trump’s diesel deal sparked cross‑party criticism in Washington, with concerns it could fund the Kremlin’s war effort. Zelensky responded that the pact “plays into Russia’s hands” and could prolong the conflict. Miliband, who had recently visited Ukraine, discussed ending Iran’s aggression in the Strait of Hormuz and the need to support Ukraine in a call with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Monday.
What was said
Ed Miliband posted on X after the call: “We discussed ending Iran’s aggression, including in the Strait of Hormuz; and the importance of standing shoulder to shoulder with Ukraine.” The US State Department said Rubio highlighted “bringing the Russia‑Ukraine conflict to an end through a negotiated settlement”. Trump told reporters at the White House: “All I know is that Zelensky and Putin have to get together and end that ridiculous war.” He later said, “I think actually Putin wants to make a deal more than Zelensky.”
How it came about
The diesel supply agreement, announced by Trump on 10 Oct 2026, was intended to curb rising US fuel costs after oil disruptions caused by the war in Iran. The deal has been linked to recent spikes in US gasoline prices and has drawn criticism from US lawmakers who warn it could bolster Russia’s war financing. Miliband’s remarks follow his recent visit to Kyiv, where he met Ukrainian officials and reaffirmed Britain’s commitment to Ukrainian sovereignty.
Key facts
- Ed Miliband urged the UK to stand shoulder to shoulder with Ukraine. (standard.co.uk)
- Donald Trump said Vladimir Putin wants a peace deal more than Volodymyr Zelensky. (standard.co.uk)
- Trump announced a US‑Russia diesel supply deal to lower US fuel costs. (standard.co.uk)
- Zelensky criticised the diesel pact as helping Russia’s war effort. (standard.co.uk)
- Miliband discussed ending Iran’s aggression in the Strait of Hormuz with Marco Rubio. (standard.co.uk)
Sources
- [1] standard.co.uk — originally reported as “Miliband urges need to stand with Ukraine as Trump has fresh dig at Zelensky”
