US President Donald Trump and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer met at the White House for high-level talks, with discussions largely focused on the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war. The meeting came amid concerns among European leaders over Washington’s shifting stance on the conflict.
During an exchange with the press, Trump put Starmer on the spot regarding the UK’s ability to confront Russia. “They need help, I’ll always be with the British, okay? I will always be with them but they don’t need help,” Trump said, before adding, “You have done very well over the years, haven’t you?”
Starmer responded, “Yes, we have, I am very proud of our country, and we have also been backing each other up between our two countries. That is why this is the greatest alliance for prosperity and security I think the world has ever seen.”
Seemingly out of nowhere, Trump posed a direct question to the British PM: “Could you take on Russia by yourselves?” The moment prompted laughter from both leaders.
Starmer seeks US support for Ukraine ceasefire
Reports indicate that during their talks, Starmer urged Trump to commit to a US “backstop” to any Ukraine ceasefire, arguing it would be necessary to prevent Russian President Vladimir Putin from launching further aggression. However, Trump dismissed the plea, maintaining his long-standing position that European nations should take greater responsibility for Ukraine’s defence.
“If there’s a deal in, we’ve got to make sure it’s a deal that lasts, that is not temporary but lasts,” Starmer stated. “And that’s why we need to make sure that it’s secure and we’ve leant it in and said we’ll play our part and we’ve talked and we will talk about how we work with yourself, Mr. President, to ensure that this deal is something which is not violated because it’s very important that if there is a deal, we keep it.”
Trump expressed confidence in the prospect of a peace agreement with Russia, stating, “I think Russia has been acting very well… I think we’re very well advanced on the deal, but we have not made a deal yet.” He added that he does not expect Putin to invade Ukraine again. Trump is set to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Friday.
When asked whether he trusted Putin, Trump responded, “Trust and verify,” echoing former US President Ronald Reagan’s approach to Soviet-era negotiations.
Trump cuts off Canada question
During a later press conference, Trump interrupted a journalist’s attempt to ask Starmer about Canada’s ongoing trade dispute with the US.
“I think you’re (journalist) trying to find a divide between us that doesn’t exist. We’re the closest of nations and we had very good discussions today, but we didn’t touch Canada,” Starmer said in response to the question.
As Starmer was speaking, Trump interjected with, “That’s enough, thank you,” though his remark appeared to be directed towards Starmer but was at the journalist attempting a follow-up.
The exchange came amid tensions between the US and Canada, following Trump’s recent comments suggesting he could use “economic force” to make Canada the 51st US state—an idea swiftly dismissed by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau earlier this month.
