Nato is fully committed to Ukraine, PM insists, despite no condemnation of Russia

NATO is committed to supporting Ukraine, Sir Keir Starmer has insisted, despite no condemnation of Russia's invasion in a joint statement from the alliance’s chiefs.

- CHRISTOPHER MCKEON and DAVID LYNCH

The position among the alliance has “not changed on Ukraine”, the Prime Minister said.

A communique released yesterday after a meeting of leaders in the Hague refers to Nato’s unity “in the face of profound security threats and challenges, in particular the long-term threat posed by Russia to Euro-Atlantic security.”

It also reaffirms support for Ukraine, but does not explicitly condemn the Russian invasion.

Donald Trump has taken a softer approach towards Russian leader Vladimir Putin than other Western leaders in his fraught attempts to negotiate an end to the war, leading to speculation that is why explicit criticism of the invasion did not feature in the communique.

Asked if Mr Trump did not want Nato to condemn his Russian counterpart in the summit's concluding statement, Sir Keir said: “On the question of Ukraine, the position in Nato has not changed, nor has my position changed.

“In fact, over the last couple of days, I would say in my discussions with leaders, there's been a real resolve that now is the time to push again to get Putin to the table for the unconditional ceasefire.”