The Prime Minister expressed his concern after a heated argument between Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelensky was broadcast on television last Friday. He stated, “Nobody wants to see that,” referring to the tense exchange.
Speaking earlier today, Keir Starmer admitted that he felt uneasy watching the footage from the Oval Office, especially during what he described as a “fragile” time for Europe. He emphasized that Europe is working on a plan with Ukraine and will present it to the United States, following Friday’s negotiations which did not yield a resolution.
When asked about his reaction during a BBC interview, Starmer mentioned that he “rolled up his sleeves” and reached out to both the U.S. and Ukrainian presidents in an effort to address and resolve the issues. He defended Zelensky, saying he didn’t believe the Ukrainian leader had done anything wrong. “No, I think this is a man whose country has been at war for three years,” Starmer said, acknowledging the immense pressure Zelensky is under.
In other news, Trump reportedly complimented Starmer’s “beautiful accent” during a chaotic meeting at the White House. Meanwhile, a former Labour leader issued a warning to Starmer and criticized what he called a “Trusk-Putin” alliance. Additionally, a lip reader revealed some off-mic comments between Trump and Starmer, including a moment where Trump called Starmer “handsome.”
During an interview with Laura Kuenssberg, Starmer expressed his distrust of Vladimir Putin, even if a peace deal were to be agreed upon without solid security guarantees. “Well no, I wouldn’t trust Putin,” he said. “Which is why I want a security guarantee. I wouldn’t trust him not to come again, because he’s proven that he will. He’s already done it, and we know what his ambitions are.”
Starmer stressed the importance of preventing future aggression, asking, “How do we defend the line if a line is agreed?” He emphasized the need for strong measures to ensure peace and security in the region.
The meeting between Trump and Zelensky took place on February 28, 2025, in the Oval Office. The two leaders were negotiating a preliminary agreement on sharing Ukraine’s mineral resources. Trump argued that this deal would allow the U.S. to recover some of the aid provided to Ukraine while also supporting its economy. The meeting was captured in photos by Andrew Harnik of Getty Images, showing the two leaders in a serious discussion.
Overall, the situation highlights the ongoing tensions and complexities in international relations, particularly involving Ukraine, the U.S., and Russia, as leaders navigate delicate negotiations and strive for stability in a volatile region.
