Britain in 'grave danger' of failing biggest test since WW2 as Trump chases Ukraine deal

Many foreign policy experts believe Russian President Vladimir Putin has achieved what he wanted from the recent US-Russia summit in Alaska. With no ceasefire agreement in place, analysts warn that Putin now has a free hand to escalate the war in Ukraine.

The concern is not only about Ukraine itself but also about the broader consequences. As one former UK defense secretary warned, if Ukraine falls, Taiwan could be the next target, and that would have catastrophic implications for the global economy.

Several British leaders have voiced alarm. Sir Grant Shapps argued that the real danger lies in a weak or “hollow” deal one that freezes the conflict on Russia’s terms, legitimizes aggression, and fractures Western unity. He called for stronger Western support for Ukraine, especially in air defense and long-range weapons.

Sir Iain Duncan Smith echoed those concerns, stressing that Putin is manipulating the situation to his advantage. He warned that Trump’s push for peace, while well-intentioned, risks playing into Putin’s hands. He reminded that China’s President Xi has already made it clear: if Ukraine collapses, Taiwan could be next.

Former Defence Secretary Sir Liam Fox described the Alaska summit outcome as “predictable” and argued that even a ceasefire would only serve as a pause before Russia looks to destabilize other countries such as Moldova, Georgia, or Romania. He pushed for tougher sanctions and the seizure of Russian assets to fund Ukraine’s defense and eventual recovery.

Meanwhile, UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer acknowledged Trump’s efforts to end the war but stressed that Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky must remain central to any negotiations. Starmer also emphasized that peace cannot come without strong security guarantees for Ukraine and continued sanctions on Russia until the war truly ends.

Analysts from major think tanks shared similar warnings. Keir Giles of Chatham House called the summit results “the worst possible news for Europe,” pointing out that moving straight to a peace deal without a ceasefire risks cementing Russia’s territorial gains. Neil Melvin of the Royal United Services Institute added that Putin will view the outcome as a major success he gave no concessions, gained legitimacy by standing alongside the US president, and sidelined both Zelensky and European leaders from the main discussions.

President Zelensky himself has been clear: Ukraine will only accept a lasting peace. He insists that all prisoners and abducted children must be returned, and that Russia must end its attacks. Otherwise, he warns, any deal will simply be another pause before the next invasion.

The stakes could not be higher. If Western leaders fail to hold the line, experts warn that both European security and the global balance of power could be shaken for decades.