Mandelson splits with No 10 on Trump’s Ukraine deal

Government stance confused as ambassador calls for reset’

- ARCHIE MITCHELL MILLIE COOKE

Peter Mandelson has said Ukraine should be the first side to declare a ceasefire in its war with Russia as he called for Volodymyr Zelensky to back Donald Trump’s minerals deal in a clash with Downing Street’s position on the war.

The UK ambassador to the US said the Ukrainian president needs to “get back on the same page” as his US counterpart after a White House meeting between the pair descended into an extraordinary shouting match.

After Mr Zelensky was asked to leave the White House early, without signing a deal giving the US access to Ukrainian minerals, Lord Mandelson said a “very radical reset” was needed.

Armed forces minister Luke Pollard slapped down the ambassador over his remarks, saying they don’t reflect government policy. But Downing Street later backed the ambassador, saying in his role he does speak for the government.

Meanwhile, Sir Keir Starmer dodged the question when asked about it in the Commons by Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey.

“The plan is clear”, he said. “We’re working, particularly with the French, I’ve had extensive conversations with President Macron over the last week, intensively over the weekend, talking to Ukraine as well, those are going on at the moment.”

When asked about Lord Mandelson’s remarks, the prime minister’s official spokesperson simply referred to Sir Keir’s words on Ukraine, saying he has “made very clear his position on all of this and the priority here is reaching a durable peace”.