Starmer Heads to U.S. with UK Defense Boost to Sway Trump on Ukraine/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer visits Washington after pledging to raise defense spending to 2.5% of GDP by 2027 in hopes of swaying President Trump to support Ukraine. Starmer joins European efforts to secure U.S. backing as Trump reshapes foreign policy and explores direct talks with Moscow. Meanwhile, UK-U.S. trade relations and looming tariffs are also on the agenda.
UK-US Relations Quick Looks
- Starmer heads to Washington aiming to secure U.S. support for Ukraine’s defense.
- UK to increase defense spending to 2.5% of GDP by 2027, targeting 3% by 2035.
- Starmer hopes the spending boost influences Trump amid U.S.-Russia negotiations.
- Trump questions NATO’s value, urging Europe to “pull its weight.”
- Britain offers troops to support a potential Ukraine ceasefire—with U.S. backing crucial.
- Starmer seeks to avoid Trump’s EU tariffs and protect UK-U.S. trade ties.
- Economic deal between Kyiv and Washington grants U.S. access to Ukraine’s minerals.
- Trump: “Europe will ensure peace”, offers no firm security commitment to Ukraine.
Starmer Heads to U.S. with UK Defense Boost to Sway Trump on Ukraine
Deep Look
LONDON – UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer heads to Washington on Wednesday with a clear objective: convince President Donald Trump to maintain U.S. support for Ukraine amid shifting American foreign policy. Starmer’s diplomatic push follows his pledge to increase UK defense spending to 2.5% of GDP by 2027—a move designed to demonstrate Britain’s commitment to European security and influence Trump’s Ukraine stance.
Starmer’s visit comes just days after French President Emmanuel Macron made a similar appeal to Trump. European leaders are increasingly concerned as the Trump administration engages directly with Moscow to end the Ukraine conflict, raising fears that Ukraine’s interests might be sidelined.
A Defense Spending Hike to Influence Trump
In a move widely seen as a strategic gesture toward Washington, Starmer announced Tuesday that the UK will accelerate its defense budget increase, with aims to reach 3% by 2035. He called it the largest sustained defense investment since the Cold War.
“President Trump has been very direct in challenging Europe to spend more,” UK Defense Secretary John Healey said. “This commitment is vital, and we hope others follow.”
Trump has long criticized NATO, accusing Europe of relying on U.S. military support without contributing enough. Starmer hopes the UK’s spending pledge will help secure U.S. backing for Ukraine—and keep Trump engaged in Europe’s defense.
Ukraine’s Fate at the Forefront
Starmer’s talks with Trump will also focus on Ukraine’s future. The U.S. recently struck a rare earth minerals deal with Kyiv, granting American firms access to Ukraine’s lucrative resources. Ukrainian officials hope this will ensure continued military aid from Washington.
The UK has offered to deploy troops to enforce a potential ceasefire, but Starmer insists that a U.S. security guarantee is essential for lasting peace. Trump, however, was noncommittal after meeting Macron:
“Europe is going to make sure nothing happens,” Trump said, declining to promise direct U.S. involvement.
Trade Tensions and Tariff Threats
Beyond Ukraine, Starmer aims to protect UK-U.S. trade relations as Trump threatens sweeping tariffs on European imports. Britain’s balanced trade with the U.S.—its largest single trading partner—could help it dodge the harshest measures.
“Avoiding damaging tariffs is crucial,” said economic adviser Sarah Benton. “The UK’s close ties with the U.S. give us leverage.”
Starmer’s Personal Diplomacy
Starmer, known for his reserved demeanor, has taken unusual steps to build rapport with Trump: dining at Trump Tower in September and appointing Peter Mandelson—a seasoned political strategist—as the UK ambassador in Washington.
“Starmer is playing a long game,” said analyst Michael Clarke. “He wants to be the ‘Trump whisperer,’ ensuring British interests are heard.”
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