Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch has issued a stark warning that Ukraine is fighting a proxy war "on behalf of the rest of Europe" amid reports that British Storm Shadow missiles have been fired into Russia for the first time.
The former Business Secretary sat down with GB News for an exclusive interview and emphasised her strong support for Ukraine whilst calling on Russia to end its aggression in the region.
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.
Kemi Badenoch told GB News she would 'like to see de-escalation' between Ukraine and Russia
GB News
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.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:
- Kemi Badenoch rubs shoulders with Jeremy Clarkson as she ‘talks tactics’ to force Labour U-turn
- Senior Tories plotting to help Trump BLOCK Chagos surrender after Farage hints at Presidential 'veto'
- 'No members of Labour here!' Tory MP hits out at Diane Abbott at the Chagossians rally
The new leader of the Conservative Party sat down with GB News's Katherine Forster
GB News
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.
Badenoch offered her support for Ukraine against Russia
GB News
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.
