Trump and Starmer Discuss Ukraine Peace Agreement and Trade Relations
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer met with US President Donald Trump. The main topics of discussion were the economy, defense, and the future of Ukraine.
Photo: Number 10, CC BY 2.0
A meeting between UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and US President Donald Trump took place at the White House, as reported on the UK Government website.
The leaders discussed key issues in bilateral relations, including trade cooperation, defense policy, and support for Ukraine.
Starmer and Trump reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening economic ties based on fair and mutually beneficial conditions. In particular, they instructed their teams to develop a trade agreement with a focus on the technology sector.
Additionally, the US president hinted at the possibility of exempting the UK from the planned 25% tariffs on European goods.
Special attention was given to security issues. Both sides emphasized that UK-US cooperation in intelligence and defense is unparalleled. Starmer recalled London’s plans to increase defense spending to 2.5% of GDP.
Regarding Ukraine, the leaders agreed that negotiations should lead to a lasting peace. The prime minister confirmed that the UK is ready to play a leading role in ensuring Ukraine’s security.
At the end of the meeting, Starmer handed Trump a letter from UK King Charles III, inviting him for a state visit to the United Kingdom.
Trump gratefully accepted the invitation, noting that this would be his second state visit to the UK, an unprecedented occurrence.
Both sides expressed hope for the further strengthening of the "special relationship" between the US and the UK, particularly in the context of joint efforts to achieve peace in Ukraine and develop mutually beneficial trade relations.
Earlier, it was reported that the EU and US are preparing for negotiations on reducing the 10% tariff on cars, aiming to prevent trade disputes and lay the foundation for an expanded economic agreement.
It was also revealed that the UK and Norway are beginning talks on a new defense agreement aimed at strengthening European security, supporting NATO, and deterring threats from Russia.