The US defence secretary has insisted it is “garbage” to say Donald Trump is pro-Russia.

Pete Hegseth said the US president remained “laser-focused” on securing peace in Ukraine, despite criticism over his relationship with Vladimir Putin.

The comments came as part of Mr Hegseth’s meeting with John Healey, his British counterpart, at the Pentagon on Thursday.

Mr Healey was visiting Washington just a week after Sir Keir Starmer’s trip as Britain seeks to act as a diplomatic bridge between the US and Europe over Ukraine peace plans.

Mr Hegseth became animated during the meeting as he insisted Mr Trump was not siding with Putin.

He said: “Our president is interested in peace. So we will get characterised one way or another. Oh, your stance is pro-Russia or pro – it’s all garbage.

“The president got elected to bring peace in this conflict, and he is working with both sides in a way that only President Trump can. Let’s be clear, only President Trump can bring them to the table to end the killing, and I can tell you from being behind the scenes he is laser-focused on making that happen and we’re closer today than we’ve ever been because of his leadership.”