In a significant shift, U.S. President Donald Trump emphasized that a minerals deal with Ukraine serves as the crucial security guarantee Kyiv needs against Russian aggression. This stance comes as Trump dismissed British Prime Minister Keir Starmer's request for a commitment of U.S. military support during their first meeting at the White House since Trump took office.
Prime Minister Starmer, showcasing his diplomatic flair, lauded Trump’s efforts by stating that peace in Ukraine was only made possible because of Trump’s initiatives. 
However, the alliance shows cracks as differences persist over U.S.-Russia talks aimed at resolving the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict and tensions surrounding Trump's tariff threats.
Prior to their meeting, Starmer asserted that long-term peace in Ukraine is unattainable without firm U.S. security guarantees—a viewpoint Trump largely dismissed. \"We are a backstop because we'll be over there, we'll be working,\" Trump explained, highlighting the significance of economic partnerships. \"We're going to have a lot of people over there.\"
When questioned about his trust in Russian President Vladimir Putin, Trump responded with, \"Trust and verify,\" harking back to Ronald Reagan's negotiation philosophy with the Soviet Union. 
He also noted that negotiations to end the conflict are progressing swiftly, adding, \"It will either be fairly soon, or it won't be at all.\"
Starmer remained firm, emphasizing the need for a just peace that doesn't reward aggression: \"We have to get it right. It can't be peace that rewards the aggressor.\"
This encounter marks Starmer as the latest European leader to meet with Trump, following French President Emmanuel Macron’s recent visit. Starmer indicated that Britain plans to increase defense spending and reassured Trump that Europe will back Ukraine with support and security guarantees should peace talks succeed.
On the economic front, the two leaders negotiated a bilateral trade agreement. While a comprehensive free trade deal has remained elusive since Trump's previous term, he expressed optimism about reaching a deal \"very shortly.\" 
When pressed about whether Starmer had influenced him to drop threats of imposing tariffs on Britain, Trump acknowledged Starmer's efforts but remained non-committal: \"He tried. He was working hard, I'll tell you that. We'll see.\"
This meeting underscores the complex dynamics between international allies as they navigate the path toward peace in Ukraine and seek to strengthen economic ties amid global tensions.
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Trump dismisses Starmer's call for U.S. military guarantees in Ukraine
cgtn.com
