Starmer Will Avoid Confrontation with Trump Over His Criticism of Zelenskyy During Their Meeting | Politics

Keir Starmer is unlikely to provoke Donald Trump by confronting him over his recent critique of Ukraine’s president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, during their upcoming meeting next week, as the prime minister aims to soothe escalating tensions across the Atlantic.

Starmer is scheduled to head to the United States in the coming days for what could prove to be a pivotal moment for his leadership, amidst an ongoing exchange of accusations and insults between Europe and the US regarding the origins of the Ukraine conflict and potential resolutions.

Tensions were heightened on Friday when Trump claimed that both Starmer and French president, Emmanuel Macron, had failed to take meaningful steps to help end the war.

“They haven’t done anything. Macron is a friend of mine, and I’ve met with the prime minister, he’s a really nice guy … [but] nobody’s done anything,” he stated in an interview with Fox News.


These remarks come amid increasing criticism from European leaders regarding Trump’s claims that Zelenskyy is a dictator and that Ukraine instigated the war in 2022.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz condemned Trump’s assertions as “incorrect and perilous,” while Zelenskyy himself accused the US president of being trapped in a “disinformation bubble.”

With transatlantic relationships deteriorating, Starmer and Macron will be visiting Washington next week for discussions aimed at influencing the future of Ukraine’s independence.

While Macron has vowed to deliver a stark message to Trump about the dangers of appearing weak before Putin, Starmer is intending to de-escalate tensions by steering clear of direct mentions of the president’s recent remarks.

One UK official remarked: “We want to focus on the future rather than rehashing any disputes that have arisen in recent days. If the president inquires about our stance, we will respond in line with our previous statements. However, it’s best to prioritize future discussions over past arguments.”

Starmer’s visit occurs as European leaders voice concern over being sidelined from US-Russia dialogues and the content of Trump’s recent comments about Ukraine.

The US president has incorrectly asserted that Ukraine instigated the war and issued a warning this week in a lengthy social media message: “Zelenskyy better move fast or he is not going to have a country left.”

Keith Kellogg, Trump’s envoy on Ukraine, attempted to moderate the rhetoric on Friday, describing Zelenskyy as “the embattled and brave leader of a nation at war.” However, Western officials express concern that the harsh nature of Trump’s remarks this week threatens the unity of the pro-Ukrainian coalition among Western democracies.

Macron stated on Thursday that he would adopt a firm stance with the American president, warning Trump against emboldening China. “I will tell him: fundamentally, you cannot afford to appear weak in the face of President Putin. That’s not your character, it’s not part of your interests,” the French president asserted.

British officials indicate a desire to adopt a different approach. “Macron represents the European Union. Our role is somewhat distinct – we aim to act as a bridge between the US and Europe,” commented one official.

This perspective reflects Starmer’s broader strategy in dealing with Trump, which has involved steering clear of his frequent disputes while concentrating on the objectives of protecting Ukraine and preventing trade tariffs.

This strategy will be put to the test on Monday when the UK implements new sanctions against Russia and faces potential conflict at the UN regarding accusations against Russia for invading Ukraine.

Officials have stated that Starmer will discuss trade during his visit to the White House, advocating for an increase in bilateral trade rather than succumbing to new restrictions.

Downing Street has been reassured that Trump has so far excluded the UK from the list of nations subject to tariffs, as well as by the positive remarks he has made about the bilateral relationship and Starmer personally.

The prime minister hopes to leverage this goodwill to encourage Trump to provide air, communications, and logistical support to any European forces deployed to uphold a peace agreement in Ukraine. Starmer has indicated that the UK is prepared to contribute soldiers to a European force, contingent upon a US “backstop” for safety.

Additionally, the prime minister will highlight his campaign pledge to increase defense spending to 2.5% of GDP, though officials are not expected to announce specifics regarding how or when this target will be reached.

Defence Secretary John Healey is set to outline the timeline for achieving 2.5% as part of a strategic defense review planned for later this spring, yet Downing Street is resisting calls from some military circles to raise the target even further.

While the prime minister aims for his diplomatic strategy to succeed where others have faltered, there are calls for him to adopt a more forthright stance.

HR McMaster, who served as one of Trump’s national security advisers during his initial term, stated on Friday: “Europeans must deliver a clear message: ‘No matter what, do not grant Putin what he desires at the outset.’

“What does he want at the outset? Relief from sanctions. Keep him confined in that corner.”