Starmer Links UK Energy Price Volatility to Actions of Putin and Trump

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has stated that energy price fluctuations affecting UK households and businesses are linked to the actions of international leaders. The comments were made during an interview that aired on the same day he marked the anniversary of the war in Ukraine at a Cabinet meeting.

Prime Minister's Statement

On Thursday, February 24, 2026, Prime Minister Keir Starmer participated in an interview with ITV News' Talking Politics podcast.

During the interview, Starmer was quoted as saying:

"I'm fed up with the fact that families across the country see their bills go up and down on energy, businesses' bills go up and down on energy, because of the actions of Putin or Trump across the world."

The Prime Minister attributed volatility in UK energy bills to actions taken by U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Context of the Remarks

The interview was broadcast amid reported fluctuations in global oil prices. Sources indicate these price movements occurred during a fragile two-week ceasefire in a conflict described as the U.S.-Israeli war with Iran, during which oil prices had previously increased.

Later on February 24, Prime Minister Starmer spoke at the start of a UK Cabinet meeting. The meeting was held to mark the fourth anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, which began in February 2022.

Background on Referenced Conflicts

The invasion launched by Russia in February 2022 has continued for years. The conflict has resulted in hundreds of thousands of deaths and has had widespread effects on the global economy.

Sources reference an ongoing conflict involving the U.S., Israel, and Iran. A reported two-week ceasefire was in place at the time of the interview, with oil prices having risen during the preceding hostilities.