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Sir Keir Starmer recently offered commendation to US President Donald Trump for positively influencing the “global conversation” concerning the war in Ukraine, just as the British Prime Minister gears up for discussions at the White House this week.
Ahead of this anticipated meeting, Starmer aims to ease tensions and bolster dialogue by attempting to convince Trump to uphold America’s security guarantees in Europe, crucial for fostering peace in Ukraine.
Although Downing Street has remained tight-lipped about whether Starmer will extend an invitation from King Charles to Trump for a state visit, Starmer’s spokesperson shared, “We would welcome a visit as early as possible.”
British officials are already laying the groundwork for Trump’s possible visit, anticipating that he might want to combine it with a stopover at one of his cherished golf courses in Scotland. As one British official noted, “His fondness for the royals is one of our strongest advantages.”
Prior to his Thursday journey to Washington, during a gathering of world leaders marking the third anniversary of Russia’s severe invasion of Ukraine, Starmer expressed that there is a current window of opportunity for peace. “President Trump’s recent actions have shifted the global dialogue and opened up possibilities,” Starmer explained. “It’s now crucial to ensure we manage the essentials correctly.”
When asked if Trump’s controversial remarks about Ukraine’s President Zelensky—whom he labeled a “dictator”—and assertions blaming Ukraine for starting the war have improved the discourse, Starmer’s spokesperson affirmed, “Absolutely for the better.”
The UK Prime Minister reiterated Britain’s readiness to deploy troops in Ukraine to aid peacekeeping efforts, while urging Trump to back this with US military strength. “A US commitment is indispensable to prevent Russia from considering another invasion in the coming years,” he emphasized.
British officials shared that Starmer plans to support Trump’s peace proposal while calling on him to advocate for a just peace that avoids encouraging future aggressors.
Downing Street dismissed suggestions from UK Security Minister Dan Jarvis about reconsidering Russia’s membership status within the G7—formerly G8—following a potential peace agreement in Ukraine. Starmer’s spokesperson clearly stated, “Russia cannot participate in global leadership as long as its forces occupy Ukraine illegally.”
These developments occurred as French President Emmanuel Macron met with Trump at the White House on Monday. Later this week, Starmer’s visit will center on defense and economic relations. Lord Peter Mandelson, the newest British ambassador to Washington, is particularly eager to position Britain as the premier global ally for US companies advancing in the field of artificial intelligence.
