ANTI-WAR campaigners condemned the Labour government today after Downing Street welcomed a new economic agreement signed between Ukraine and the United States.

The deal, signed on Wednesday, is expected to grant the US significant access to Ukraine’s mineral wealth, while offering Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky renewed assurances of US support in the war with Russia.

US President Donald Trump said the agreement meant the US would now receive more from Ukraine “in theory” than it had spent during the war. 

He added that he did not want to look “foolish” by not getting money back for the investment.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s official spokesman said today: “We obviously welcome steps taken by the US and Ukraine to sign an economic partnership.

“We have our own 100-year partnership with Ukraine and we’re continuing to work with Ukraine to deepen our economic and security ties for future generations of both of our countries.”

Foreign Secretary David Lammy echoed the message, adding: “The UK’s support for Ukraine remains steadfast.”

The Stop the War Coalition said the government “should end their militaristic posturing and give peace a chance.”

A spokesperson said: “While Trump gets on with looting Ukraine’s resources and economy, Keir Starmer and David Lammy remain opposed to any resolution of the war, preferring instead to prolong it in pursuit of unobtainable objectives. 

“Their warmongering threatens any potential deal to end the conflict.”

Communist Party leader Rob Griffiths said: “This predatory deal has nothing to do with the interests of the Ukrainian and Russian peoples. 

“Trump’s protection money racket puts the future profits of US mining, tech and manufacturing corporations above the urgent need for a permanent ceasefire, negotiations and a comprehensive settlement of Russia-Nato-Ukraine relations.”