Kemi Badenoch demands the West 'stop Russia' as Ukraine is fighting a 'proxy war on behalf of Europe'

She warned that other European nations could face similar threats if Russia succeeds in its invasion.

"If Russia wins this war, it will not stop there," Badenoch said, highlighting the broader implications of the conflict for European security.

Addressing the first reported use of British-supplied Storm Shadow missiles on Russian territory, Badenoch emphasised the need for de-escalation while maintaining a firm stance on Russian responsibility.

"We should always be concerned the world is becoming a much more dangerous place and I would like to see de-escalation," she said.

However, she was clear about where the responsibility lies: "But that needs to start with the Russians, who are the aggressor in this conflict."

The Conservative leader defended the use of British weaponry in the conflict.

"Getting concerned about a war being fought using British missiles at a time when we believe that Ukraine is fighting for all of Europe, in my view is not the right way to look at things," she stated.

She reiterated her belief that supporting Ukraine remains "the right thing" to do.

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Badenoch's characterisation of the conflict as a proxy war underscores the broader European stakes in the conflict.

"This is a proxy war that Ukraine is fighting on behalf of the rest of Europe, and I think we need to do everything we can to support them," she emphasised.

The Conservative leader stressed that the conflict presents difficult choices for Western nations.

"This is not an easy thing. We would like it for there not to be any war," she acknowledged.

However, she maintained that supporting Ukraine's defence efforts remains crucial for European security.

The stakes, according to Badenoch, extend far beyond Ukraine's borders, with potential implications for the entire continent's future security landscape.

Concluding her remarks, Badenoch posed a direct challenge regarding Western support for Ukraine.

"Do we want Ukraine to win this war or not, and are we prepared to support them to win this war? That is what I believe," she said.