During a meeting in Washington, Donald Trump expressed trust in Vladimir Putin’s commitment to a Ukraine ceasefire, contrasting this with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s cautions about the risks of a truce without US support. Trump downplayed a previous remark calling Ukrainian President Zelensky a dictator. Starmer aimed to secure security guarantees for Ukraine while presenting Trump with an invitation from King Charles III for a second state visit, indicating a diplomatic effort amidst European concerns about US policies toward Russia. The discussions highlighted differing approaches, with Starmer advocating for a comprehensive peace deal and stronger European defense contributions.
Washington:
Donald Trump expressed confidence in Russia’s Vladimir Putin to adhere to any ceasefire regarding Ukraine on Thursday, as UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer sought security guarantees for Kyiv—with the assistance of a royal invitation to visit Britain.
During their meeting in Washington, Trump maintained a cordial demeanor and even retracted a statement labeling Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky a dictator, which had raised concerns in European capitals, remarking: “Did I say that?”
However, Trump also asserted his faith in Putin to respect any truce with Ukraine, which contradicted Starmer’s caution that the absence of a US “backstop” for a deal could embolden Putin to replicate his February 2022 invasion.
Both Britain and France have offered to deploy peacekeeping forces to Ukraine but seek US assurances of support, including aerial and satellite surveillance as well as potential air power.
“I think he’ll keep his word,” Trump told reporters as he sat next to Starmer in the Oval Office when queried about Putin.
“I’ve talked to him; I’ve known him for a long time now. I don’t believe he’s going to violate his word.”
Trump further stated that Britain can “take care of themselves, but if they need help, I’ll always be with the British.”
Starmer remarked on the flight to the US capital that a “ceasefire without a backstop” would allow Putin to “wait and strike again” at Kyiv.
– ‘Did I say that?’ –
The British prime minister informed Trump at the White House of his desire to “collaborate with you to ensure that any peace deal is enduring,” emphasizing that it should also be a “deal that nobody breaches.”
Starmer then presented Trump—a long-time admirer of the British monarchy—with a letter from King Charles III inviting him for an unprecedented second state visit by a US president.
“This has never happened before; this is unprecedented,” remarked Starmer.
The invitation was a strategic effort to charm Trump amid rising concerns in Europe that the US leader may compromise Kyiv’s interests and align with Russia’s stance on a deal.
Concerns heightened last week when Trump referred to Zelensky as a “dictator without elections”—but alongside Starmer, he humorously dismissed the comment.
“Did I say that? I can’t believe I said that,” Trump replied when asked if he stood by his remark on his Truth Social platform. “Next question.”
Trump is scheduled to host Zelensky at the White House on Friday, where the two leaders are anticipated to formalize an agreement granting Washington access to Ukraine’s rare minerals, which Trump has insisted upon as compensation for US military assistance.
Zelensky had hoped the agreement would include US security guarantees; however, it seems to omit this aspect.
– ‘Trade-off’ –
Starmer’s visit follows a similar trip by French President Emmanuel Macron, who left without significant achievements despite asserting a “turning point” had been reached with Trump.
Trump has consistently urged European nations to shoulder more responsibility for the defense of Ukraine and their own territories.
A senior Trump administration official stated that the backstop was “obviously very high on our European allies’ agenda,” but emphasized that securing a genuine ceasefire was the top priority.
“The type of force depends very much on the political settlement that is made to end the war. I believe that trade-off is part of what leaders today are going to be discussing,” the official informed reporters.
The meeting is expected to display a contrast of styles between the composed Labour leader, a former human rights lawyer, and the outspoken Republican mogul.
Starmer, who will hold a joint press conference with the US president, has positioned himself as a “bridge” between Trump and Europe concerning Ukraine.
The British prime minister also brought an additional gift for Trump—an increase in defense spending.
A Trump administration official remarked that they were “very pleased” with Starmer’s announcement on Tuesday regarding the UK’s defense budget rising to 2.5 percent by 2027.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)