After Trump refused to provide security guarantees for Ukraine, Starmer sought a lesser commitment: U.S. support for European efforts to defend Ukraine from future Russian attacks. Trump rejected this as well.
“This tough stance was an early warning to European allies hoping for a shift ahead of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s visit to the White House on Friday,” Politico wrote.
A key concern for Starmer and NATO allies was Trump’s indifference to whether the U.S. would intervene if British troops in Ukraine were attacked.
“They don’t need much help. They can take care of themselves,” Trump said, according to Politico, adding that the British military is “incredible” and that he would “always be with them” if needed.
Starmer described the meeting as “very productive” and emphasized that a peace deal “has to come first.” He said both sides would continue talks on ensuring long-term stability.
Politico noted that Starmer’s visit followed French President Emmanuel Macron’s recent meeting with Trump, in which Macron emphasized Europe’s readiness to boost its own defenses but stressed that U.S. military support remains crucial to deterring Russia.
Despite Trump and Zelenskyy preparing to sign a minerals deal, an end to the war remains unlikely. Russia continues bombing Ukrainian territory, and Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has rejected any ceasefire that involves EU peacekeepers or freezes the conflict along current lines.
With no clear resolution in sight, the U.S. and its allies remain at an impasse. Washington seeks more European military commitments before making further pledges, while European leaders want U.S. assurances of support for peacekeeping missions.
U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent confirmed that a minerals framework agreement between Ukraine and the U.S. is ready for signing by both countries' leaders.
Ukraine and the U.S. are set to sign the agreement in Washington on Feb. 28, during Zelenskyy’s visit, though the signing will take place at the ministerial level.