Ukraine Russia war: Starmer backs Zelensky after Trump calls him ...

In his phone call with Zelensky, Sir Keir "stressed the need for everyone to work together", a Downing Street spokesperson said.

"The prime minister reiterated his support for the US-led efforts to get a lasting peace in Ukraine that deterred Russia from any future aggression," they added.

Zelensky said they had discussed "upcoming plans and opportunities", adding: "UK's support matters indeed, and we will never forget the respect the British people have shown for Ukraine and our citizens."

There has been widespread criticism of Trump's comments around the world - including from Sweden's prime minister as well as German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, who said it was "simply wrong and dangerous".

Trump's former vice-president, Mike Pence, also criticised the comments, posting on X: "Mr President, Ukraine did not 'start' this war. Russia launched an unprovoked and brutal invasion claiming hundreds of thousands of lives."

Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch also defended the Ukrainian leader, writing on X, external that Zelensky was "the democratically elected leader of Ukraine who bravely stood up to Putin's illegal invasion".

But Badenoch said Trump was "right that Europe needs to pull its weight" and called on Sir Keir to "get on a plane to Washington and show some leadership".