Treasury Minister Darren Jones has reiterated the UK’s “resolute” commitment to supporting Ukraine, even as fears grow about potential changes in US policy under President-elect Donald Trump. Speaking on BBC’s Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg, Jones emphasized that Ukraine should retain its pre-war territory, rejecting any notion of conceding to Russia’s illegal invasion.

Jones declined to comment on hypothetical future US policies but stressed that the UK would continue to support Ukraine with substantial financial aid and military backing. His comments came amid concerns that Trump, during his campaign, suggested the war could be ended swiftly, without offering clear details on how. Some of Trump’s former advisers have argued that the US should continue supplying weapons to Ukraine but with conditions tied to peace talks, including delaying Ukraine’s NATO membership.

In contrast, Conservative shadow foreign secretary Dame Priti Patel urged a “shared way of working” with the US on Ukraine, highlighting the importance of maintaining a strong UK-US relationship. Chief of the UK Defence Staff, Sir Tony Radakin, reported significant Russian casualties but acknowledged Russia’s tactical gains, emphasizing the strain the war is putting on Russia’s economy.

Lord Peter Mandelson, a former Labour minister, added that Ukraine’s freedom should remain sacrosanct, and the UK should work with the US to ensure Russia cannot invade again, suggesting stronger economic ties with Ukraine as a potential solution.