UK’s Starmer meets Trump at White House for Ukraine peace deal talks

United Kingdom Prime Minister Keir Starmer is set to meet with President Donald Trump at the White House on Thursday, following Trump’s recent comments about providing security guarantees to Ukraine. Trump, who met with French President Emmanuel Macron earlier this week to discuss Ukraine, is now preparing to sit down with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

The meeting between Trump and Starmer is expected to focus heavily on the president’s efforts to bring an end to the conflict in Ukraine through peaceful means. A senior administration official stated that the discussions will center around finding a lasting peace, rather than just a temporary ceasefire. The two leaders will later hold a joint press conference to address the public.

Starmer has been advocating for the United States to provide a security “backstop” for any potential European peacekeepers in Ukraine. He emphasized the need for security guarantees to ensure a lasting peace, expressing concern that a ceasefire without proper security measures could allow Russian President Vladimir Putin to resume hostilities at a later time.

However, Trump indicated during a Cabinet meeting that he would not extend security guarantees beyond what Europe is willing to provide, citing the proximity of Ukraine to European nations. He assured that the U.S. would ensure that everything goes smoothly, but emphasized the role of Europe in ensuring security in the region.

Zelenskyy, who is also preparing to meet with Trump in Washington, has been vocal about his desire for NATO or a similar security alliance to support Ukraine. Macron, who met with Trump earlier this week on the anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, expressed optimism about the possibility of a peace deal.

Trump, in his remarks, highlighted his conversations with Putin and Zelenskyy, noting that peace talks were not previously considered feasible. He expressed confidence in his ability to broker a deal that benefits both sides, emphasizing the importance of finding a mutually beneficial solution.

Overall, the meeting between Trump and Starmer is expected to address key issues related to the conflict in Ukraine and the efforts to achieve a peaceful resolution. Both leaders are committed to finding a lasting peace agreement that ensures stability and security in the region.