Ayrshire man who fled Kyiv calls for UK and Europe to stop relying on US
Donald Trump announced on Tuesday morning aid to Ukraine would be halted until he thought Zelenskyy was "committed" to peace
An Ayrshire man who fled Kyiv with his wife following Russia’s 2022 invasion says it’s time for Europe and the UK to stand on their own and stop relying on US backstops to bring peace in Ukraine.
It comes as President Zelenskyy described his explosive meeting with Donald Trump at the White House as “regrettable”, after a Kyiv MP urged him to apologise to the US President.
The Ukrainian leader said: “None of us want an endless war."
"Ukraine is ready to come to the negotiating table as soon as possible to bring lasting peace closer. Nobody wants peace more than the Ukrainians.
"It is regrettable that it happened this way"
“My team and I stand ready to work under President Trump's strong leadership to get a peace that lasts," he said.
The meeting "did not go the way it was supposed to be", Mr Zelensky said.
"It is regrettable that it happened this way. It is time to make things right.
“We would like future cooperation and communication to be constructive."
President Trump announced this morning he would be halting military aid to Ukraine until he was sure President Zelenskyy was “committed” to the peace process.
"There has to be a deterrent"
James Gibson and his wife Anna Matiunina moved back to Kilmarnock after the outbreak of war just over three years ago.
He told Greatest Hits Radio the move shows it is time for Europe and the UK to stand up and work together for peace, without relying on a US backstop.
He said: “This constant inference that we need to have the US backing everything up, there has to be a US backstop, no, there has to be a deterrent.
“The only thing that the Russian mindset understands is power, it’s the only thing that they respect.”
"A show of consequence"
Scottish Secretary suggested yesterday Scottish troops could be involved in the peacekeeping process, after the Prime Minister said last month he would be willing to send UK personnel forces to Ukraine to enforce a deal with Russia.
Mr Gibson said it was “about time” for British troops to offer assistance, adding: “It’s time that a show of, not force, but a show of consequence is made.
“Russia needs to see that any peace or ceasefire isn’t just going to be a political one, because they will disrespect it, the history is there.
“The precedent has been set before with the Russians so I believe that you need to show consequence.”
"We cannot rely on the US currently"
Following a call between Sir Keir Starmer and President Zelenskyy on Tuesday afternoon, the Prime Minister welcomed Mr Zelenskyy’s “steadfast commitment to securing peace”.
Mr Zelenskyy said: "I am grateful for the advice and support during this challenging time. We will always remember everything the British people have done for Ukrainians and our shared security."
He added: “Together with the leadership of the United States and all of Europe, this is absolutely achievable.”
Mr Gibson told Greatest Hits Radio: “We cannot rely on the US currently.
“In four years’ time? Who knows, but for now, we’ve got to step up and say Europe can go this alone, because they can.
“They don’t have the appetite for it, but they’re going to need to get it.”
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