BRITISH ministers are “foolish and cynical” to encourage Ukraine’s pursuit of Nato membership as a supposed means to end the war, a leading peace campaigner charged today.

Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster Pat McFadden said Ukraine would be “free to make decisions about its own future” when asked about Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s suggestion at the weekend that Ukraine could cede territory to Russia but gain membership of the US-led alliance as part of a peace deal.

Mr Zelensky’s remarks were the first time he has acknowledged the possibility of surrendering territory.