UK’s Starmer Urges US to Stand by Ukraine
AFP/APP
London: British Prime Minister Keir Starmer emphasized the importance of the United States maintaining its support for Ukraine, stating it was in President Donald Trump’s best interest to do so.
“It is in UK and US interests to stand by Ukraine with security guarantees,” Starmer wrote in an op-ed for The Sun on Sunday, ahead of the three-year anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The British leader is set to visit Washington on Thursday to meet with Trump.
Starmer’s remarks come amid growing tensions between Washington and Kyiv, particularly following Trump’s decision to exclude Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky from discussions about the conflict’s resolution. However, Starmer acknowledged Trump’s interest in pursuing a peace deal, stating, “President Trump is right to grasp the nettle and see if a good peace deal is on the table. Every time I have spoken to him, I am struck by his commitment to peace.”
Nevertheless, Starmer insisted that Ukraine must be part of any negotiations and should receive strong security guarantees from the US. Earlier on Saturday, he and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen reaffirmed their commitment to securing a “just and enduring peace in Ukraine,” calling on Europe to step up its role in collective security.
Additionally, in a separate call with Zelensky, Starmer reiterated the UK’s “ironclad support” for Ukraine, emphasizing that the current moment is critical for Ukraine’s future and European security at large. He plans to push Trump to back Ukraine during their upcoming meeting, hoping to bridge the gap between the US and Europe regarding security guarantees for Kyiv.
The diplomatic challenge is heightened by Trump’s recent public spat with Zelensky, whom he labeled a “dictator.” Trump also criticized Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron, accusing them of inaction regarding the war in Ukraine in a Fox News interview.
