Breaking News: Donald Trump’s ‘appeasement’ of Vladimir Putin makes WWIII ‘several steps closer…..See More

A former UK Defence Secretary has warned that “appeasing” Russian dictator Vladimir Putin will lead to more wars as the UK government and US remain split

Donald Trump faces warnings that “appeasing” Vladimir Putin by conceding captured Ukrainian territory will only fuel future conflicts.

Ex-UK Defence Secretary Sir Ben Wallace cautions that Putin “will rearm and he will be back” and John Bolton, Trump’s ex-national security adviser, remarked: “They’re drinking vodka straight out of the bottle in the Kremlin tonight.”

Meanwhile, UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer stands firm on ensuring Ukraine remains “at the heart” of any peace negotiations, following a secretive phone call between the US President and his Russian counterpart aimed at resolving the hostilities.

Trump’s startling disclosure overshadowed a long-scheduled NATO defence ministers’ summit in Brussels; he pronounced an end to Ukraine’s three-year agony after what he termed a “lengthy and highly productive” talk with Mr Putin. Post-discussion, Trump briefed Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky about their dialogue.

European leaders in widespread dismay stress Ukraine must have a voice in its fate rather than being sidelined by a superimposed accord. Sir Keir’s stance is unequivocal: “There can’t be negotiations around Ukraine without Ukraine being at the heart of it.”

And it’s really important that Ukraine is in the strongest possible position, whether that’s in discussions, or whether it’s continued fighting.”

Pete Hegseth, the US Defence Secretary, sparked concerns with his remarks that it was “unrealistic” for Ukraine to expect to regain all territories lost to Russia since 2014, when Putin first invaded.

Sir Bernard Jenkin, a Tory MP, insisted the UK must prepare for potential conflict with Russia and called for increased defence spending, declaring: “We must be ready to fight a war with Russia if necessary, in order to be able to deter Russia.”

Echoing these sentiments, Kaja Kallas, EU foreign policy chief and former Estonian Prime Minister, criticized preemptive concessions, saying: “Why are we giving them everything that they want even before the negotiations have been started? It’s appeasement. It has never worked.”

The UK is currently at odds with the US regarding Ukrainian accession to NATO. Downing Street maintains that Ukraine should be allowed to join the alliance, a stance opposed by the US.

President Zelenskyy offered a diplomatic response to the American stance, sharing: “I had a long and detailed conversation with President Trump. I appreciate his genuine interest in our shared opportunities and how we can bring about real peace together.”