Abdelrahman
UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer Engages in Talks with Trump and Zelensky Amid Tensions Over US Support for Ukraine
UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer recently reached out to US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky following a heated exchange during their meeting in Washington. What began as a warm welcome for Zelensky at the White House quickly escalated into a tense confrontation, with Trump urging the Ukrainian leader to express more gratitude for US assistance and accusing him of risking global conflict.
In an official statement from Number 10, it was confirmed that Prime Minister Starmer communicated with both leaders and reaffirmed the UK’s steadfast support for Ukraine. Starmer emphasized his commitment to finding a peaceful resolution that ensures Ukraine’s sovereignty and security.
Zelensky is set to visit the UK this Sunday, where Sir Keir will take the lead in a summit involving European leaders aimed at addressing the ongoing war between Ukraine and Russia.
A spokesperson from Number 10 shared, "The Prime Minister has spoken to both President Trump and President Zelensky this evening. He remains firmly committed to supporting Ukraine and is actively seeking a viable path towards a lasting peace."
During the contentious dialogue at the White House, interruptions flew between Trump and Zelensky, which overshadowed what was supposed to be the signing of a minerals agreement. Vice President JD Vance, who was in attendance, also found himself embroiled in the back-and-forth. As a result of the escalating disputes, a scheduled press conference was canceled, and Zelensky was asked to exit the White House before the agreement could be finalized.
The day before this altercation, Sir Keir met with Trump in the Oval Office, where they agreed to initiate discussions on a new US-UK trade deal. Additionally, Starmer presented Trump with a letter from King Charles III, inviting him for a state visit. Speculation had arisen that Sir Keir sought a US security "backstop" for a peace initiative in Ukraine. However, Trump did not affirm such a commitment.
Trump has previously criticized both Sir Keir and French President Emmanuel Macron for their perceived inaction in facilitating an end to the Ukraine conflict.
Reactions to the Meeting
Responses to the Trump-Zelensky meeting divided political opinions in the US, with Republicans commending Trump and Democrats expressing criticism. In Ukraine, there was widespread support for Zelensky, who is viewed as standing firm in what many citizens consider a fight for survival. One individual in Kyiv shared with the BBC, "Trump’s administration displayed such arrogance. It’s clear from Zelensky’s expression that the discussions behind closed doors were anything but civil."
The confrontation in the Oval Office also drew encouragement for Zelensky from prominent European allies, particularly from France. Friedrich Merz, anticipated to be Germany’s next Chancellor, expressed his solidarity with Ukraine "in both favorable and challenging times," underscoring the importance of recognizing the roles of aggressor and victim in this devastating conflict.
In contrast, Russia conveyed that both Trump and Vance had shown restraint, with a foreign ministry spokesperson remarking on the surprising lack of physical confrontation with Zelensky.
