In an unexpected turn of events, former U.K. Prime Minister David Cameron, now the U.K.'s foreign secretary, held a meeting with ex-President Donald Trump at Mar-a-Lago on Monday. This meeting forms part of Cameron's visit to the U.S., aimed at persuading American legislators to approve further support for Ukraine amidst its ongoing conflict with Russia. The British government's Foreign Office views such engagements with opposition figures like Trump, the anticipated Republican nominee for the upcoming presidential election, as routine diplomatic practice.
The specifics of the discussions between Cameron and Trump remain undisclosed. Trump has previously claimed he could swiftly conclude the Ukraine conflict if he were to return to office, suggesting the transformation of weapon transfer costs to Ukraine into loans.
Following his dialogue with Trump, Cameron is scheduled to confer with Secretary of State Antony Blinken regarding a proposed $60 billion military aid package for Ukraine, which has experienced delays. Additionally, they will deliberate on the current Israel-Gaza conflict.
In the lead-up to these discussions, Cameron has been vocal in encouraging Western leaders to exert pressure on House Speaker Mike Johnson and other Congressional Republicans to pass the much-needed additional aid for Ukraine, emphasizing the security interests of the U.S., Europe, and the U.K. in the region.
The debate over a $95 billion aid package for Ukraine continues in the House of Representatives, hindered by a faction of populist conservatives and demands from some Republicans for border security enhancements as a precondition for their support.
Cameron has been a staunch advocate for increased financial assistance to Ukraine, cautioning against a repeat of past hesitations similar to those in the 1930s against Hitler. The U.K.'s commitment to Ukraine has reached nearly $15 billion in total support since February 2022, with $9 billion allocated to military aid.
As the conflict enters its third year without a clear resolution, the discourse in the U.S. Congress, particularly among the House Freedom Caucus and their colleagues, signals a forthcoming internal GOP showdown over the continuation of aid to Ukraine. House Speaker Johnson recently proposed a funding plan, which faces opposition from Freedom Caucus Chair Rep. Bob Good, who demands accompanying spending reductions and U.S. border policy reforms.
The proposed Ukraine aid bill, should it advance past the House, is likely to find a smoother passage through the Senate, backed by Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell's support for further assistance to Ukraine
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source:Â https://www.foxnews.com/politics/uks-cameron-meets-trump-push-more-us-ukraine-funding