Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer is set for high-stakes talks in Washington as US President Donald Trump insists that Europe, not the United States, must take responsibility for Ukraine’s security in any future peace agreement. The comments from Mr Trump come as Sir Keir aims to convince the White House to provide a security ‘backstop’ for Ukraine amid ongoing conflict with Russia.
Trump dismisses US security guarantees for Ukraine
Speaking at his first cabinet meeting of his second term, President Trump made it clear that Washington would not be offering broad security commitments to Ukraine, despite Kyiv’s hopes for US guarantees in a post-war settlement.
“I’m not going to make security guarantees beyond very much,” Mr Trump told reporters.
Instead, he argued that European nations should take the lead in securing Ukraine’s future.
“We’re going to have Europe do that because… Europe is their next-door neighbour, but we’re making sure everything goes well.”
However, Mr Trump suggested that US involvement in Ukraine’s mining industry could indirectly ensure security for American interests.
“We will be on the land, and that way, there is going to be automatic security because nobody is going to be messing around with our people when we are there.”
His remarks came as he confirmed that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky would visit the White House on Friday, despite conflicting reports earlier from Kyiv on whether the trip had been finalised.
Ukraine’s NATO hopes dismissed
In a further blow to Ukraine, President Trump explicitly ruled out the possibility of the country joining NATO.
“You can forget about it. That’s probably the reason the whole thing started,” he said, referring to Russia’s 2022 invasion, which Moscow has justified in part by opposing Ukraine’s bid to join the Western alliance.
The remarks sharply contrast with President Zelensky’s position, as he continues to push for long-term security assurances from both NATO and the US as part of any future peace deal.
Starmer seeks to strengthen UK-US ties
Sir Keir, who has pledged to deepen the UK’s special relationship with the US, is heading to Washington for talks with Mr Trump on Thursday. The Prime Minister will likely press the case for sustained US security support for Ukraine and reinforce Britain’s commitment to European defence.
His visit coincides with President Zelensky’s planned trip to the UK, where European leaders are expected to meet to discuss security and defence coordination. The timing underscores Britain’s role in bridging the gap between Washington and its European allies on Ukraine policy.
During Prime Minister’s Questions, Sir Keir was asked whether Britain could still rely on the US under Mr Trump, given his reluctance to engage further in Ukraine.
Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey warned that the UK must prepare for a world in which Washington is less willing to provide military support against Russian aggression.
“It’s already clear that under President Trump we won’t be able to rely on the United States, sadly, to help ensure our security against Russian aggression. That’s why we strongly welcome the Prime Minister’s decision to increase Britain’s defence spending.”
Sir Ed also called for a new European rearmament bank to fund increased arms production, reducing Europe’s dependence on American military aid.
Sir Keir rejected the suggestion that the UK must choose between its alliance with the US and its European security commitments.
“I’ll resist his suggestion that we’ve somehow got to choose between the US and our European partners. I do not believe that to be the case, and I want to strengthen our already strong relationship with the US, because I think it’s vital that we do so.”
“Of course, I also want to work with our European allies on defence capability, coordination and funding, and in the longer term, there is a discussion going on amongst allies as to future funding.”
He also reaffirmed his support for President Zelensky, describing him as a “democratically elected leader” and defending the UK’s historical role as a bridge between the US and Europe.
UK’s defence spending rises amid cuts to Foreign aid
Sir Keir’s visit to Washington follows his announcement that the UK will increase its defence spending to 2.5% of GDP by 2027, representing an additional £13.4 billion.
To fund the increase, the government will cut foreign aid spending from 0.5% to 0.3% of gross national income over the next two years. The move has sparked criticism from opposition MPs, who warn that reducing aid could undermine long-term global stability.
Labour MP Diane Abbott voiced concerns that slashing aid funding could worsen poverty and instability, fuelling further conflict.
“The whole country stands behind the people of Ukraine. But there is also a view that taking money from aid and development to spend on armaments and tanks makes people less safe, not more safe, because the desperation and the poverty that so often leads to warfare is what aid and development money is supposed to counter.”
Sir Keir defended the policy, insisting that national security must take precedence at this critical moment.
“As I said yesterday, overseas development is important. I’m proud of what we’ve done. It wasn’t a decision I took lightly or wanted to take, but it is important at this moment that we put defence and security—both of our country and of Europe—uppermost.”
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US-Ukraine minerals deal nears completion
Kyiv has reportedly agreed to a draft minerals deal pushed by the Trump administration, which could see increased US investment in Ukraine’s rare mineral resources. However, the agreement no longer includes an initial US demand for $500 billion in future revenue, after President Zelensky insisted such a figure would be equivalent to selling off his country’s natural wealth.
The finalised deal is expected to provide a continued flow of US military support to Ukraine, though the specifics remain unclear.
A divided Western response
President Trump’s comments signal a shift in US policy, placing the burden of Ukraine’s security firmly on Europe while maintaining American economic interests in the region. His insistence that Ukraine “forget about” NATO membership will be a bitter pill for Kyiv, which has long viewed alliance membership as the key to its security.
Meanwhile, Sir Keir’s Washington visit will test Britain’s ability to navigate transatlantic diplomacy, balancing its historic alliance with the US and its deepening role in European security.
As tensions persist over how best to support Ukraine, one thing is clear: the geopolitical landscape is shifting, and the UK must adapt quickly to maintain its influence on the world stage.
