British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer stated that the UK and France will work with Ukraine to create a plan to “end the war with Russia” and will later discuss it with the United States. The British news agency Reuters reported this.
This announcement comes two days after a heated exchange between US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the White House. Sir Keir Starmer is set to attend a European leaders’ summit.
Speaking on BBC One’s “Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg,” Sir Keir emphasized that his main goal is to build a “bridge” between Trump and Zelensky.
When asked about the tense conversation at the White House, he downplayed the situation, stating that no one wants to see such scenes. He mentioned that he spoke with both Trump and Zelensky the same night to help them refocus on the main issue.
Sir Keir avoided placing blame on either side and expressed confidence in Trump’s desire for “lasting peace.” When asked directly, he affirmed that Trump could be trusted. He also expressed trust in Zelensky but not in Russian President Vladimir Putin. Therefore, he stressed the need for US security guarantees for Ukraine.
He noted that Europeans have shown unity over the past three years but highlighted that Europe needs to do more for its defense and security.