Keir Starmer warns Trump that without a security backstop, Putin will return—but Trump shrugs

Keir Starmer flew into Washington with an urgent warning for Donald Trump: If the US does not provide a strong security backstop for Ukraine, Vladimir Putin will strike again. However, within hours of Starmer’s comments, Trump made it clear he had little interest in further commitments, telling his Cabinet: “I’m not going to make security guarantees beyond very much.”

Starmer is one of three leaders making their case to Trump this week, following Emmanuel Macron and ahead of Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The UK prime minister is pushing for a European-led peacekeeping force in Ukraine, but he insists US support is vital. “If there is a ceasefire without a backstop, it will simply give Putin the opportunity to wait and come again,” he told reporters onboard his flight.

The UK has not ruled out sending British troops to Ukraine as part of this effort, even if the US refuses to offer further security guarantees. “The UK will play its part,” Starmer said. “But we need a US backstop, because without it, there is no deterrent.”

Behind the scenes, Starmer’s aides are scrambling to lay the groundwork for a deal. His chief of staff, Morgan McSweeney, met Trump’s team in Florida back in December, while his national security adviser, Jonathan Powell, is lobbying for a separate agreement on the Chagos Islands.

Yet Trump appears unmoved. While the UK is pushing for greater US-UK trade ties, AI cooperation, and a high-profile state visit invitation for Trump, the US president is more focused on striking a business deal with Ukraine over rare-earth minerals.

With Zelenskyy arriving in Washington next, Starmer’s warnings may soon be overshadowed—just like his visit itself.

THE GUARDIAN

Keir Starmer has announced a major increase in UK defence spending to 2.5% of GDP by 2027, funded by slashing the foreign aid budget by 40%. The move comes ahead of his meeting with Donald Trump and aims to bolster European security amid concerns over US commitment to NATO. While Starmer insists the decision was necessary, it has drawn criticism from aid groups, opposition parties, and even some cabinet ministers who warn of unintended consequences. Foreign Secretary David Lammy acknowledged the risks but framed the cuts as a pragmatic choice. Starmer is expected to present a measured case to Trump, avoiding confrontation while pushing for continued US support for Ukraine. Meanwhile, discussions are ongoing about alternative funding mechanisms, including a European rearmament bank. Critics fear the cuts undermine UK influence and global stability, while supporters argue they strengthen national security and appeal to voters Labour seeks to retain.

SKY NEWS

Prime Minister Keir Starmer has arrived in Washington for talks with President Donald Trump, seeking US security guarantees for Ukraine. Ahead of their meeting, Starmer reiterated the importance of the UK-US “special relationship” and expressed trust in Trump despite tensions over Ukraine aid. However, Trump downplayed the prospect of US military backing, insisting Europe should take the lead. Starmer, who has pledged increased UK defence spending and British troop deployments, hopes to secure US support for a European-led security framework. The visit follows concerns that a ceasefire without US backing could embolden Russia. Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has pushed for clearer US military commitments. Starmer framed the UK’s defence spending boost as both a national security measure and an economic opportunity. His challenge in Washington is to balance European security needs with Trump’s scepticism toward further US involvement in Ukraine.