Yvette Cooper Highlights Trump’s Role in Ukraine Peace Efforts

In a recent statement, the United Kingdom’s chief foreign minister, Yvette Cooper, emphasized the importance of Donald Trump in the ongoing peace efforts regarding the conflict in Ukraine. During an interview with POLITICO after a conference on illegal migration in Brussels, Cooper asserted that Trump’s influence remains valuable despite concerns over his consistency in pursuing an acceptable settlement for Kyiv.

Cooper noted that the efforts made by Trump and the broader U.S. diplomatic framework have played a crucial role in achieving a ceasefire in Gaza. She stated, “Actually, it’s only because of the work that President Trump and the U.S. system have done that we have reached the ceasefire in Gaza,” while also recognizing contributions from countries such as Egypt and Turkey.

Trump’s Criticism of European Leaders

Cooper’s remarks came in the context of Trump’s recent criticisms of European leaders, whom he described as “weak” and presiding over “decaying” nations due to mass migration issues. In an interview with POLITICO’s Dasha Burns for her podcast, The Conversation, Trump remarked, “They talk, but they don’t produce, and the war just keeps going on and on.” This statement reflects his frustration with the current pace of diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict.

Adding to the tension, Trump has also suggested that Ukraine should hold new elections, putting added pressure on President Volodymyr Zelenskyy amidst ongoing corruption allegations. Despite these challenges, Cooper expressed confidence in the United States’ commitment to advancing peace talks, particularly following her meeting with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

“The work that the U.S. is doing to pursue a peace process is incredibly important, and the work that Marco Rubio has been doing as part of those discussions is also hugely important,” Cooper remarked.

Security Guarantees and Migration Strategies

Cooper underscored the necessity of establishing security guarantees in the event of a ceasefire, an essential aspect of the negotiations that has yet to be finalized. “It can’t just be an agreement that means that Putin can just pause and then come again, and I think the U.S. are very clear about that,” she stated.

On the topic of migration, Cooper announced plans to double the size of the U.K. Foreign Office’s migration unit, which is engaged in discussions surrounding the return of migrants to their home countries. She did not dismiss a proposal from Jordan Bardella, the leader of France’s far-right National Rally, concerning the “pushbacks” of migrant boats in the English Channel. This controversial approach would involve British Border Force vessels directing boats back to their point of origin.

While Cooper emphasized the importance of cooperation between the U.K. and French authorities in managing migrant crossings, she refrained from outright condemning the pushback strategy. “Everything has to be safely done,” she noted, adding that both nations must work together to ensure safety during migrant crossings.

Cooper also highlighted the need to address illegal immigration, describing it as “deeply damaging” and contributing to a “deep sense of injustice” when laws are not enforced. She affirmed, however, that “legal migration, on the other hand, has been part of our history for generations and will always be important.”

As discussions continue, U.K. Justice Secretary David Lammy is participating in parallel talks in Strasbourg about reforms to the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), aimed at easing legal obstacles to the deportation of migrants. Cooper indicated that European foreign ministers plan to convene in May 2026 to take further steps on ECHR reforms, which may impact future migration policies.