President Trump Softens Stance on Zelenskyy, Discusses Trade and Strategic Alliances with UK Leader
Washington, D.C., February 28: UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, during his first official visit to Washington, declared that Britain is prepared to put “boots on the ground” and “planes in the air” to support a peace deal in Ukraine. Speaking alongside US President Donald Trump at the White House on Thursday, Starmer reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to working with European allies to ensure a lasting resolution to the Russia-Ukraine war.
“I’m working closely with other European leaders on this, and I’m clear that the UK is ready to put boots on the ground and planes in the air to support a deal, working together with our allies, because that is the only way that peace will last,” Starmer said.
Trump Signals Possible Peace Deal in Ukraine
Trump, who previously referred to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy as a “dictator”, appeared to shift his stance, praising Zelenskyy as “very brave” and emphasizing their positive relationship. He also stated that a peace agreement with Russia could be reached soon.
“I think progress is being made. An agreement will either be fairly soon, or it won’t be at all,” Trump said.
He also added that he “trusts Putin to keep his word” if a deal is reached—an assertion likely to stir controversy.
US-UK Trade Talks and Tariffs
Discussions between Trump and Starmer also focused on economic ties and trade agreements. Starmer reportedly made a strong push to prevent the US from imposing tariffs on UK imports.
“He earned whatever the hell they pay him over there,” Trump joked, acknowledging Starmer’s efforts to negotiate a favorable deal.
Trump hinted at the possibility of a trade agreement that could eliminate the need for tariffs, stating there was a “great chance” of reaching a deal.
Chagos Islands Agreement Gains US Backing
In a diplomatic win for the UK, Trump signaled support for a plan that would return control of the Chagos Islands in the Indian Ocean to Mauritius, while allowing the UK and US to lease back a key military base.
Trump Accepts State Visit Invitation from King Charles
During the meeting, Starmer presented Trump with a personal letter from King Charles III, extending an invitation for a state visit to the UK. Reading the letter in real time, Trump praised the King as a “beautiful man and a wonderful man” and confirmed his acceptance.
“It’s a great honor to have Prime Minister Starmer in the Oval Office,” Trump said. “The UK is a wonderful country that I know very well. I’ll be going there soon, and we’ll be announcing it.”
With US-UK relations taking center stage, Starmer’s visit underscored the strength of the transatlantic alliance, touching on defense, diplomacy, trade, and geopolitics.
Tags:
Trump Starmer Meeting, US-UK Relations, Ukraine Peace Deal, Russia-Ukraine War, Trade Talks, Chagos Islands Dispute, King Charles Trump, NATO Alliances, White House Diplomacy, Geopolitics