UK defence minister defends Ukraine’s Zelensky from Trump’s ‘dictator’ gibes
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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has come under repeated attacks from US President Donald Trump in recent days, as his country battles to survive a Russian invasion.
PHOTO: REUTERS
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OSLO - Britain’s defence minister on Feb 20 hit back at attacks on Volodymyr Zelensky, comparing the actions of the Ukrainian president with those of British national hero Winston Churchill during World War II.
US President Donald Trump has repeatedly attacked Mr Zelensky in recent days, accusing him of being a “dictator without elections”
Mr Zelensky was elected in 2019 for a five-year term and has remained leader under martial law imposed as his country fights for its survival.
“He was elected, he’s the elected leader of Ukraine,” UK defence minister John Healey told reporters during a visit to Norway.
“And he’s done what Winston Churchill did in Britain in the Second World War, suspended elections while at war.”
Millions of Ukrainians have fled the country and 20 per cent of its territory is occupied by Russia, making the organisation of an election difficult.
Britain’s coalition government led by Winston Churchill also suspended legislative elections during World War II, with a vote ultimately held in July 1945.
On Feb 19, Mr Trump continued his pro-Moscow rhetoric, saying the Russians “have the cards” in any negotiation to end the war “because they’ve taken a lot of territory.”
A satisfied Kremlin said on Feb 20 it had “decided to start resuming Russian-American dialogue on all parameters,” adding it “absolutely” agreed with the US administration on Ukraine. AFP
UK Defence Secretary John Healey said that, just as Britain did during World War II, Ukraine has suspended elections under martial law.
PHOTO: AFP
