Trump’s Ukraine Peace Push: Starmer Backs Talks, With Caution \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ British Prime Minister Keir Starmer commended President Donald Trump’s efforts to negotiate peace in Ukraine but cautioned against rewarding Russia for its aggression. Trump expressed confidence in Russian leader Vladimir Putin’s commitment to a ceasefire, despite concerns from European allies. The discussions highlighted a potential peacekeeping mission, economic deals with Ukraine, and broader US-UK cooperation.
Trump’s Ukraine Peace Push: Quick Looks
- Starmer’s Stance: British PM Keir Starmer praised Trump’s peace talks but warned against concessions to Russia.
- Trump on Putin: The US president expressed confidence that Putin would honor a ceasefire if reached.
- Concerns in Europe: European leaders fear Trump may concede too much to Moscow.
- Peacekeeping Plans: UK and France propose sending troops, but the US remains skeptical about feasibility.
- US-Ukraine Deal: Trump and Zelenskyy to discuss a deal granting the US access to Ukraine’s critical minerals.
- State Visit Invitation: Starmer invited Trump to the UK for a second state visit, which he accepted.
- Defense and Security: Talks also covered AI cooperation, border security, and increased UK military spending.
Deep Look
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and US President Donald Trump held high-stakes talks at the White House on Thursday, focusing on efforts to negotiate an end to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. While Starmer welcomed Trump’s diplomatic efforts, he cautioned against any peace deal that might inadvertently reward Russian aggression.
The discussions between the two leaders come as Europe watches Trump’s foreign policy moves with growing unease. His approach to negotiations with Russian President Vladimir Putin has stirred concerns that he may be willing to make concessions that weaken Ukraine’s sovereignty and embolden Moscow. Starmer, like other European leaders, is keen to ensure that any potential ceasefire does not undermine Ukraine’s long-term security.
Trump Expresses Confidence in Putin’s Commitment to Peace
At the start of the meeting, Trump expressed optimism about the progress of talks to end the war, now in its third year. He asserted that Putin was unlikely to restart hostilities if a truce were to be brokered.
“I think he’ll keep his word,” Trump said, citing his long-standing relationship with Putin. “I’ve spoken to him, I’ve known him for a long time now, we had to go through the Russian hoax together.”
Trump’s mention of the “Russia hoax” was a reference to the FBI and Justice Department investigations into allegations that his 2016 campaign colluded with Moscow to influence the US presidential election. While special counsel Robert Mueller found evidence that the Trump campaign welcomed Russian assistance, no conclusive proof of coordination was established.
Concerns in Europe Over Trump’s Diplomatic Approach
Starmer’s visit follows French President Emmanuel Macron’s trip to Washington earlier in the week, signaling Europe’s increasing anxiety over Trump’s negotiations with Russia.
Many European leaders worry that Trump’s eagerness to secure a quick peace deal could lead to compromises that fail to hold Russia accountable for its invasion. Some fear that Trump’s “America First” approach may shift US foreign policy away from its traditional role as a stabilizing force in Europe.
One major source of concern is that Trump’s administration recently conducted talks with Russian officials without inviting Ukraine or European allies. Adding to the unease, the US declined to support recent UN resolutions condemning Russia for its aggression, leading to speculation that Washington might be reorienting its position on the conflict.
The UK and France Propose a European Peacekeeping Mission
If a ceasefire is reached, the UK and France have proposed deploying European troops to Ukraine to help maintain peace and prevent renewed conflict. However, White House officials remain skeptical about the viability of such a mission, questioning whether Britain and France can assemble a sufficiently large and well-equipped force.
Ireland has also expressed interest in contributing to a peacekeeping effort. On his way to Washington, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin, who confirmed Ireland’s willingness to participate in some capacity.
Despite European commitments, no expectations exist for US troops to take part in the mission. However, Starmer and other European leaders have argued that the success of the initiative depends on indirect US support—particularly in the form of aerial intelligence, surveillance, and rapid-response capabilities in the event of ceasefire violations.
US-Ukraine Agreement on Critical Minerals
Beyond military considerations, the Trump administration is pursuing a major economic agreement with Ukraine that would grant American companies access to Ukraine’s critical minerals. These resources, essential for aerospace, defense, and nuclear industries, are of strategic interest to Washington.
Zelenskyy has expressed hesitancy over finalizing the deal without firm security assurances from the US, fearing that economic partnerships alone will not deter future Russian aggression. Trump, however, argued that increased American business presence in Ukraine could serve as a deterrent in itself.
“We are a backstop because we’ll be over there, we’ll be working in the country,” Trump said, implying that American economic interests in Ukraine would discourage Russia from further incursions.
Shifts in US-Ukraine Policy Under Trump
Trump’s handling of the Ukraine crisis marks a stark departure from the policies of his predecessors. His administration has been pushing back against claims that he is abandoning Europe or conceding too much ground to Putin.
Vice President JD Vance defended Trump’s approach, saying, “He hasn’t conceded anything to anyone. He’s doing the job of a diplomat.” However, the White House’s refusal to formally blame Russia for the war at the United Nations has reinforced skepticism among European allies about Trump’s commitment to standing against Putin.
US-UK Defense Cooperation and Starmer’s Military Spending Plan
Beyond the war in Ukraine, Trump and Starmer’s discussions touched on broader defense cooperation, artificial intelligence, and national security.
In a move that is likely to align with Trump’s push for stronger European defense spending, Starmer announced plans to accelerate the UK’s military budget increases. Britain will now aim to raise defense spending to 2.5% of GDP by 2027, several years ahead of previous plans, and eventually reach 3% by 2035.
Peter Mandelson, Britain’s ambassador to the US, underscored the deep alliance between the two nations. “We share people, we share cultures, we share technologies, and we also share some of the fighting of our adversaries as well,” he said, emphasizing the need for continued cooperation.
Trump Accepts State Visit Invitation to the UK
As a further gesture of strengthened relations, Starmer extended an invitation to Trump for a state visit to the United Kingdom on behalf of King Charles III. Trump accepted, marking an unprecedented second state visit following the one he received during his first term.
Starmer is set to host an international summit on Ukraine in the UK in the coming days, with Zelenskyy expected to attend. The discussions between the US and UK signal a critical moment for transatlantic relations, European security, and the future of diplomatic efforts to end the war in Ukraine.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Ukraine and Global Security?
As Trump continues negotiations with Putin, European allies are bracing for potential shifts in US foreign policy. Starmer and Macron are working to ensure that the interests of Ukraine and NATO remain central to any peace deal.
Meanwhile, the planned US-Ukraine critical minerals agreement could reshape the economic landscape, strengthening ties between the two countries while potentially influencing the balance of power in Eastern Europe.
With a possible ceasefire on the horizon, the coming weeks will be pivotal in determining whether Trump’s diplomatic strategy leads to a lasting resolution or creates new uncertainties for Ukraine and its allies.
Trump’s Ukraine Peace
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