8 hours ago
Last Updated:February 28, 2025, 07:23 IST
Donald Trump met British PM Keir Starmer for crucial talks in the White House as European leaders grapple with his shift in policy towards the Russia-Ukraine war.
Donald Trump with British PM Keir Starmer in the White House. (Reuters)
US President Donald Trump met British Prime Minister Keir Starmer in the White House for crucial talks as Washington has rattled European leaders with its abrupt shift in policy towards the Russia-Ukraine war.
During one instance of their interaction with the press, Trump put Starmer on the spot regarding the UK’s ability to counter Russia’s invasion. “They need help, I’ll always be with the British, okay? I will always be with them but they don’t need help."
“You have done very well over the years, haven’t you?" Trump said. In response, Starmer said, “Yes we have, I am very proud of our country, and we have also been backing each other up between our two countries. That is why this is the greatest alliance for prosperity and security I think the world has ever seen."
Out of nowhere, Trump shot a question towards Starmer: “Could you take on Russia by yourselves?" In response, both leaders laughed.
During the talks, Starmer reportedly pleaded for a US “backstop" to any Ukraine ceasefire, insisting it would be the only way to deter Russia’s Vladimir Putin from invading again, but Trump brushed aside the plea for a commitment of U.S. military support. Trump has long pushed for European nations to take more of the burden for Ukraine’s defence.
“If there’s a deal in, we’ve got to make sure it’s a deal that lasts, that is not temporary but lasts. And that’s why we need to make sure that it’s secure and we’ve leant it in and said we’ll play our part and we’ve talked and we will talk about how we work with yourself, Mr. President, to ensure that this deal is something which is not violated because it’s very important that if there is a deal, we keep it," Starmer said.
Trump said he thinks a peace deal reached with Russia would hold and said he does not think Putin would invade Ukraine again. “I think Russia has been acting very well… I think we’re very well advanced on the deal, but we have not made a deal yet," he said. Trump will meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Friday.
Asked whether he could trust Russian President Vladimir Putin, Trump said, “trust and verify," echoing former US President Ronald Reagan’s views on negotiations with the Soviet Union.
Trump Shuts Down Question On Canada
During a press conference later on, Trump interrupted Starmer as the British PM was responding to a question on Canada, which has been the target of renewed US tariffs that have sparked concerns over a trade war.
“I think you’re (journalist) trying to find a divide between us that doesn’t exist. We’re the closest of nations and we had very good discussions today, but we didn’t touch Canada," said Starmer in response to a journalist’s question.
While Starmer was speaking, Trump was heard saying, “That’s enough, thank you", although his remark was directed at the reporter, who was attempting a follow-up question.
President Donald Trump says he plans to impose tariffs on Canada and Mexico starting next Tuesday, in addition to doubling the 10% universal tariff charged on imports from China.
Earlier this month, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau dismissed a suggestion made by Trump that he might use “economic force" to make Canada the 51st US state.
(with agency inputs)
Location :Washington D.C., United States of America (USA)
First Published:February 28, 2025, 07:23 IST
News world 'Can You Take On Russia?': Trump Puts Starmer On Spot, Shuts Down Question On Canada | Watch
