Farage Accused of Acting as "Trump's Spokesman" After Refusing to Criticize Zelensky

Nigel Farage has been accused of acting as "Donald Trump's spokesman in Britain" for refusing to criticize his ally after the US president bullied and belittled Volodymyr Zelensky.

Farage blamed Zelensky for playing the White House meeting "very badly" and accused him of being "rude" to Trump.

He was condemned by opponents from across the political spectrum for the intervention.

"Russia is the aggressor. Zelensky is a war leader whose country has been invaded. We should all be supporting him."

"Farage is showing his true colours as Trump's spokesman. Zelensky showed courage and integrity, in stark contrast to Farage's cowardly approach."

The Conservatives said Zelensky is a hero who has "stood up to Putin's aggression".

"Most of us look at Putin and feel disgust. Farage has always seen someone to admire."

"Mr Farage is not fit to comment on Zelensky's actions. The former appears constantly absent while the latter has fought not just for Ukraine's future, but for ours here in the UK."

Tim Roca, Labour MP for Macclesfield, added that Farage's "refusal to stand by Ukrainians" demonstrates his "warped worldview".

"I think president Zelensky was very unwise to tell the Americans what would happen to them if they didn't back him."

"I wouldn't expect a guest to be rude to me in my own house."

"I'm not defending what they did".

"This is irrelevant."

Mr Farage later joined Mr Trump in questioning Mr Zelensky's outfit choice for his White House visit.

It is not the first time the Reform leader has been criticised for his approach to the conflict in Ukraine. During the general election, he was condemned for claiming the West had "provoked" Russia into the deadly invasion.

"Nigel Farage and Reform are all over the place when it comes to supporting Ukraine."

Meanwhile Liberal Democrat MP Caroline Voaden told The Independent Mr Farage was "more focused on parroting Trump talking points than engaging in a serious debate about the future of UK and European defence".

The latest row comes after Mr Trump Mr Vance berated Mr Zelensky over his conduct during the Ukraine war and apparent lack of gratitude for American donations.

The Ukrainian president also faced questions on his choice of outfit, with Mr Trump making quips about the Ukrainian leader being "all dressed up".

Mr Zelensky, who left the White House straight after the meeting, flew to London where he attended a summit of European leaders.

On his arrival, Sir Keir Starmer said Mr Zelensky had "full backing across the United Kingdom".

And on Sunday, King Charles met Mr Zelensky at Sandringham in an overt show of solidarity with the Ukrainian president.