Interview with Priti Patel: 'Trump is mistaken. Putin does not desire peace'

Dame Priti Patel has strongly disagreed with former US President Donald Trumps assessment of Vladimir Putins intentions regarding peace. In an interview with The Telegraph, the shadow foreign secretary argued that there is no sign that the Russian leader seeks to end the conflict in Ukraine.

She highlighted that Russia launched a significant drone strike on Ukraines eastern Dnipro region shortly after Steve Witkoff, Trumps peace envoy, and Jared Kushner, his son-in-law, concluded unproductive talks in Moscow. The discussions failed to yield any agreement.

Trump had stated that he was uncertain about Putins next moves following his rejection of a US-proposed peace plan, but insisted that Putin would like to end the war. Dame Priti countered this view, pointing to Russias recent military actions as evidence to the contrary.

There is no indication of peace. Look at Russias actions this week, she said during her visit to Washington, where she met with conservative leaders and US politicians. She warned that Putin appears focused on prolonging the war to allow his forces to advance further in Ukraine.

European leaders have similarly cautioned that Trump may be misled by Russia, while Moscow continues its military operations. According to Dame Priti, there is no sign that Russia is serious about ceasing hostilities, citing the ongoing deadly attacks as proof.

Recently, Russia launched an extensive overnight missile and drone offensive across Ukraine, using over 650 drones and 50 missiles, triggering nationwide air raid alerts on Armed Forces Day.

Earlier, the US and Russia had discussed a 28-point peace proposal, which included reducing Ukraines army, restricting NATO membership, and granting Russia control over Donetsk and Luhansk. Attempts to adapt the plan to Ukraines terms have so far reached a deadlock.

Meanwhile, Trump faces domestic and international challenges, from addressing issues in Venezuela to responding to criticism over economic pressures at home. Despite these complications, Dame Priti said there was no indication that the former president intends to abandon efforts to negotiate with Russia.

He understands the difficulty of the situation, she explained. He genuinely seeks a fair and workable resolution.

During her visit to Washington for the first time since Trumps inauguration, Dame Priti also observed changes in the city following the deployment of National Guard troops, noting improvements in safety and cleanliness, although she clarified she would not replicate such measures in the UK.

While engaging with global conservative figures at the International Democracy Union, she discussed concerns about threats to European freedoms and the broader implications of populist politics. Dame Priti emphasized that Trumps 28-point plan reflects a serious and good-faith attempt to address fundamental issues of sovereignty and territorial integrity, despite the challenges of reaching consensus with European leaders.

Author: Chloe Ramirez