Key Takeaways:

• UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer meets US President Donald Trump to discuss Ukraine and trade.
• Starmer calls for a US security 'backstop' for European peacekeepers in Ukraine.
• Trump expresses confidence in Putin's commitment to peace but remains noncommittal on US guarantees.

In a significant diplomatic meeting at the White House, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer engaged with US President Donald Trump to address critical issues regarding the ongoing war in Ukraine. Scheduled for February 27, 2025, their discussions centered on achieving a lasting peace agreement that would involve European forces and ensure that Ukraine is included in any negotiations with Russia. Starmer emphasized that any potential agreement must not reward the aggressor, echoing a sentiment recently shared by French President Emmanuel Macron during his visit to Washington just days prior.

Starmer underscored the UK's readiness to provide peacekeeping troops, stating, "we agreed that history must be on the side of the peacemaker, not the invader." The British leader's proposal for a security 'backstop,' which would involve US guarantees to support European peacekeeping efforts, faced reluctance from Trump, who insisted on securing a deal with Russia first before discussing military support.

During the press conference, Trump showed a softened tone, attempting to downplay previous controversial comments about Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, which he had referred to as a "dictator" in the past. He remarked, "Did I say that? I can’t believe I said that," as he attempted to reassure Starmer about his respect for Zelenskyy. Despite this, he remained firm in trusting Putin to honor any ceasefire and curtail further aggression towards Ukraine.

The meeting highlighted the delicate balance Starmer is attempting to maintain between assuring UK relations with the US and responding to the concerns of European allies. Recent reports have indicated a shifting US approach towards potentially reducing support for Ukraine, prompting Starmer to stress the importance of unity amongst European leaders in any peace process. VOA noted his awareness of the need for alignment with NATO’s strategic vision as discussions progress.

Additionally, Trump indicated that while he was open to various security arrangements, he avoided committing to any formal guarantees, stating that his priority was to reach a political solution before discussing military presence. "I like to get things done. I don’t want to give it the bad luck sign," he said during the conference.

Looking ahead, Trump's upcoming meeting with Zelenskyy will be pivotal, as the two leaders are expected to finalize a deal allowing the US access to Ukraine's rare minerals, which Trump views as compensation for military support.

Starmer’s visit is not solely about Ukraine; it includes significant discussions around trade, particularly the potential for a favorable post-Brexit deal. During his meetings, Starmer presented King Charles III’s invitation for Trump to undertake a historic second state visit to the UK, which Trump accepted, calling it "historic." However, as tensions remain high regarding defense spending, Starmer has announced a plan to increase UK defense expenditure to 2.5% of GDP by 2027, aligning with Trump's requests for NATO members to bolster their military budget.

As the geopolitical landscape continues to evolve, the partnership between the UK and US remains of paramount importance, especially for Starmer, who must navigate turbulent waters both at home and abroad. With Trump signaling a more transactional approach to international relations, particularly regarding security and trade, future interactions between the two leaders will be closely scrutinized.

For further details, read the full articles on VOA, Reuters, Channel News Asia, and Le Monde.