A UK government spokesperson confirmed on Monday, 17 February, that Keir Starmer is set to visit Washington next week for discussions with US President Donald Trump.
The talks, which are expected to cover a wide range of issues, will be the first official meeting between the two leaders since Trump began his second term.
The meeting comes against the backdrop of ongoing US-Russia negotiations over the war in Ukraine, and growing European unease following controversial remarks by US Vice President JD Vance at the Munich Security Conference. Vance’s comments have raised concerns across Europe that the US may not consistently prioritise its allies’ interests.
Emergency Summit in Paris
Before travelling to Washington, Starmer will attend an emergency summit in Paris, organised by French President Emmanuel Macron. The summit, which will bring together key European leaders, follows Trump’s decision to exclude European nations from direct involvement in the latest Ukraine peace negotiations, prompting urgent discussions on Europe’s role in resolving the conflict.
Speaking in Bristol on Monday, Starmer emphasised the need for any peace agreement in Ukraine to be ‘just and enduring’. He said, "We need to have realistic and credible answers to how any ceasefire … will be lasting, just and enduring."
He warned against a temporary halt in the fighting that could allow Russian President Vladimir Putin to regroup, adding, "The last thing I want to see is a pause in the fighting that simply gives Putin the chance to come again."
Call for a Stronger European Response
Ahead of the Paris summit, Starmer urged European nations to take greater responsibility for Ukraine’s defence. He stated, "Europe needs to step up in terms of our collective response."
Starmer stressed that European countries must play a full role in ensuring that Ukraine’s sovereignty is upheld in any potential peace agreement.
