Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has arrived at the White House for crucial discussions with US President Donald Trump, focusing on Ukraine, trade, and technological cooperation. With tensions in Eastern Europe continuing, the UK leader is pressing Mr Trump for stronger American support in preventing further Russian aggression.
UK push for US security guarantees in Ukraine
Sir Keir is prepared to commit British troops to a potential peacekeeping mission in Ukraine but insists that US involvement remains essential to deter any renewed assault by Russian forces. The Prime Minister will urge Mr Trump to provide a “backstop” in the form of military assistance, potentially including air cover from US fighter jets, should Russian President Vladimir Putin attempt to breach any future peace agreement.
However, President Trump has been hesitant to commit to long-term security guarantees. “Beyond very much,” he remarked when asked about US assurances, reiterating that the responsibility for defending Ukraine should lie with European nations.
Speaking before the meeting, Sir Keir expressed confidence that Mr Trump understands the gravity of the situation and acknowledges that it was Mr Putin who instigated the conflict. The UK government believes that its pledge to raise defence spending to 2.5% of GDP from April 2027 will demonstrate Europe’s commitment to security, potentially encouraging greater cooperation from the US.
Despite this, a senior official in the Trump administration indicated that Washington expects NATO allies to go even further. “President Trump continues to urge our NATO partners to increase their spending towards 5%,” the official stated.
A diplomatic balancing act
Sir Keir aims to position Britain as a key mediator between the US and European allies, reinforcing transatlantic cooperation on Ukraine. He has already engaged in high-level discussions with NATO officials and European leaders, emphasising the need for a unified approach.
Following the White House meeting, Sir Keir will host further discussions on Sunday, bringing together Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky and European leaders in London. These talks are expected to build on recent diplomatic efforts to forge a lasting resolution to the war.
Trade relations and US tariffs
Alongside security discussions, trade is set to be a contentious issue. The imposition of US tariffs on British steel remains a pressing concern for Downing Street. When asked if the UK could secure an exemption, Sir Keir remained cautious. “I’m not going to get ahead of our discussions,” he said, while stressing that the UK’s trade relationship with the US remains “pretty balanced.”
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The UK’s ambassador to the US, Lord Mandelson, downplayed the prospect of a trade dispute, insisting that there is no need for a “fight” over tariffs. Downing Street hopes that ongoing dialogue will ease tensions and secure favourable trading terms.
Technology and artificial intelligence partnerships
Beyond security and trade, discussions are expected to focus on strengthening UK-US cooperation in technology and artificial intelligence. British officials have drawn parallels to historic collaborations, likening the ambition to the space programme “moonshot” or the wartime Manhattan Project, which saw British and American scientists work together on nuclear research.
Sir Keir is expected to push for deeper joint ventures in AI research, quantum computing, and emerging technologies, positioning the UK as a leading innovation partner for the US.
A critical moment for UK-US relations
Sir Keir’s visit to Washington marks a significant test of his diplomatic leadership, particularly in balancing Britain’s commitments to NATO and Ukraine with the realities of dealing with an unpredictable US administration. While Mr Trump has signalled an openness to dialogue, securing firm commitments—especially on security—may prove challenging.
As the leaders engage in their discussions, the outcomes will likely shape the UK’s role on the global stage for years to come, influencing not only its defence and economic policies but also its strategic relationship with the US in an increasingly uncertain geopolitical climate.
