A Russia-Ukraine Deal Must Be 'Lasting,' Says UK Prime Minister Starmer

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has emphasized that any peace agreement between Russia and Ukraine must be "lasting" to prevent future aggression from Moscow. His remarks came after meeting with US President Donald Trump in Washington, where they discussed security guarantees for Ukraine and other international matters.

UK’s Commitment to Ukraine

During his meeting with President Trump, Starmer stressed the importance of the US providing a "security backstop" for any European-led peacekeeping force deployed in Ukraine. He argued that only such support could ensure long-term stability for Kyiv rather than just a temporary ceasefire. The UK, he said, is ready to "play its part" in any peacekeeping efforts, but its involvement would depend on US support. 

US Perspective on Security Guarantees

However, President Trump was cautious about committing direct military support. Instead, he suggested that an economic agreement—such as resource extraction deals with Ukraine—could serve as a form of security guarantee, rather than direct military deployment. Trump also emphasized that European nations should take primary responsibility for regional security. 

International Cooperation and Other Issues

Beyond Ukraine, the two leaders also discussed the Israel-Hamas conflict and the possibility of a new UK-US trade agreement. President Trump expressed optimism about a trade deal that could remove tariffs and strengthen the special relationship between the two nations. 

Conclusion

Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s visit to Washington highlights the UK’s commitment to securing a lasting peace for Ukraine and the importance of international cooperation in addressing global security challenges. While differences remain between the UK and US on specific approaches, the talks opened the door for closer collaboration in the future.