US President Donald Trump welcomed British Prime Minister Keir Starmer to the White House for high-level talks, with Washington's last-minute policy reversal on the Russia-Ukraine war unsettling European allies.
In a press interaction, Trump placed Starmer on the defensive about the UK's ability to push back against Russia's aggression. "They need assistance. I will always stand by the British, alright? I will always support them, but they don't require assistance," Trump said.
Looking at the resilience of the UK, Trump continued, "You have done very well over the years, haven't you?" To this, Starmer retorted with pride, stating, "Yes, we have. I am very proud of our nation, and we have always stood by each other. That is why this remains the greatest alliance for security and prosperity the world has ever seen."
Surprisingly, Trump then inquired of Starmer, "Could you fight Russia by yourself?" Both leaders laughed.
The reports state that throughout the negotiations, Starmer urged a U.S. security commitment in case there was a ceasefire in Ukraine on the grounds that it was the only option for ensuring Russian President Vladimir Putin does not make another invasion. But Trump brushed off the call for a strong U.S. military pledge, maintaining his position that European countries needed to shoulder more of Ukraine's defense burden.
If an agreement is reached, it has to be one that lasts—not a short-term fix. That's why its security is so important. We have indicated that we will do our part, and we will keep talking to you, Mr. President, about how we can work together to enforce an agreement that cannot be broken. Because if an agreement is reached, it must hold," Starmer stressed.
Trump, on his part, expressed confidence that any peace agreement with Russia would be upheld and downplayed concerns of another invasion. “I believe Russia has been acting appropriately… We’ve made significant progress on the deal, but nothing has been finalized yet,” he stated. Trump is also scheduled to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Friday.
When asked whether he trusted Putin, Trump simply used a classic phrase: "Trust and verify," mirroring former U.S. President Ronald Reagan's approach when negotiating with the Soviet Union.
Trump Bypasses Question on Canada
Later, in a press conference, Trump cut off Starmer as he was answering a question about Canada, which has recently been hit by new U.S. tariffs, triggering concerns of an escalating trade war.
To the question of the journalist, Starmer responded, "I think you're seeking a split between us that simply doesn't exist. Our countries have the closest of relationships, and we had very productive conversations today. But Canada was not something we discussed."
As Starmer was speaking, Trump interrupted with, "That's enough, thank you," addressing the journalist who was trying to pose a follow-up question.
In the meantime, Trump has confirmed that he will start imposing tariffs on Canada and Mexico next Tuesday. He also intends to double the current 10% blanket tariff on Chinese imports.
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