British Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch has dismissed claims that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is a dictator, emphasizing that he remains a democratically elected leader resisting Russia’s illegal invasion.
Badenoch made the statement via her X handle on Wednesday in response to accusations from former U.S. President Donald Trump, who had criticized Zelensky for allegedly refusing to organize elections.
Reaffirming the Conservative Party’s unwavering support for Ukraine, Badenoch stated, “Zelensky is not a dictator.
He is the democratically elected leader of Ukraine who bravely stood up to Putin’s illegal invasion. Under my leadership, and under successive Conservative prime ministers, we have and always will stand with Ukraine.”
While acknowledging Trump’s criticism that European nations should contribute more to defense efforts, Badenoch stressed the need for the UK to take its defense commitments seriously.
“President Trump is right that Europe needs to pull its weight—and that includes the UK. We need to get serious.
The Prime Minister will have my support to increase defense spending—there is a fully funded plan to get to 2.5% sitting on his desk.
That should be the bare minimum. Starmer should get on with it, get on a plane to Washington, and show some leadership. We cannot afford to get this wrong,” she added.
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