Starmer backs Zelensky ahead of Trump meeting

Sir Keir Starmer and Volodymyr Zelensky are piling pressure on Donald Trump to ensure European leaders are at the table in talks to end Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine.

- ARCHIE MITCHELL

With a rift opening between Europe and the White House over Ukraine, the prime minister and president Zelensky held talks yesterday to plan for a “very active” week ahead for the conflict.

French president Emmanuel Macron and Sir Keir are each visiting Mr Trump in Washington to discuss his peace plans, days after the president accused France and Britain of having “done nothing” to end the war.

Mr Macron is expected to warn Mr Trump not to “be weak” in the face of Mr Putin’s ongoing aggression, while Sir Keir has so far been reluctant to explicitly criticise his US counterpart for fear of being dragged into a trade war.

Speaking to Mr Zelensky yesterday, Sir Keir repeated his calls for Ukraine to “be at the heart of any negotiations to end the war”. He also said protecting Ukraine’s sovereignty is essential to deterring future aggression from Russia.

He promised to “progress these important discussions in the coming days and weeks, including with US President Trump whilst visiting Washington”, a Downing Street spokesperson added.