Trump's British ally Farage backs Ukraine joining NATO despite past criticism

Politico reports it.

Nigel Farage, a close ally of Donald Trump, has called for Ukraine to join NATO, a stance that contrasts with the U.S. administration's current position as peace talks with Russia begin.

“It’s probably essential that Ukraine joins NATO,” Farage said at a London press conference, adding, “Ukraine now joining NATO is almost an essential part of this peace deal.”

This marks a shift from his earlier criticism of NATO's eastward expansion, which he argued had provoked Vladimir Putin. 

“We have provoked this war,” Farage said last year, while also acknowledging, “Of course, it’s his [Putin’s] fault. He’s used what we’ve done.”

Farage’s comments come as Trump’s Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth ruled out NATO membership for Ukraine and insisted Europe must lead future aid efforts, without U.S. troops in peacekeeping roles.

As his right-wing party gains traction against Britain’s Labour government, Farage appears to be positioning himself as a key voice on foreign policy, even as Labour tries to label him as sympathetic to Putin.