UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer is positioning himself as a key mediator between U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, aiming to bring unity in the ongoing crisis with Russia. As tensions rise following a heated exchange between Trump and Zelensky at the White House, Starmer has taken a proactive role in facilitating diplomatic discussions to prevent further escalation.
The Plan to End the War
Speaking on BBC One’s Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg, Starmer emphasized his commitment to working with France and Ukraine to develop a peace plan, which will then be presented to the United States. The Prime Minister acknowledged the discomfort of witnessing the public spat between Trump and Zelensky but stressed the need for diplomatic intervention rather than reactionary outrage.
Rather than fueling tensions, Starmer took immediate action, making late-night calls to both leaders in an attempt to refocus discussions on finding a path to peace. He also engaged with French President Emmanuel Macron to solidify Europe’s role in brokering a solution.
“We have had three years of bloody conflict,” Starmer said. “We need to get to a lasting peace, and that requires us to work together, not against each other.”
Can Trump and Zelensky Be Trusted?
When asked whether he trusts Trump to pursue a peaceful resolution, Starmer firmly responded “yes.” He also expressed confidence in Zelensky’s intentions but made it clear that Russian President Vladimir Putin could not be trusted. This, he argued, underscores the need for strong security guarantees from the U.S. and its allies to protect Ukraine’s sovereignty.
Starmer also pointed out that while Europe has stepped up in supporting Ukraine, greater coordination is required. He believes a “coalition of the willing” must lead security efforts, ensuring that Ukraine has the necessary support to defend itself while working toward an enduring peace agreement.
Europe’s Role in Defense and Security
The Prime Minister reiterated his stance that Europe must take greater responsibility for its own defense. This aligns with his recent decision to increase the UK’s defense budget to 2.5% of national income by 2027, a move funded by cuts to the foreign aid budget. However, the decision has sparked controversy, leading to the resignation of International Development Minister Anneliese Dodds.
Trump, on the other hand, has called for NATO allies to raise their defense spending even further—to 5% of their national incomes. Starmer acknowledged that while European nations have stepped up in recent years, more must be done to strengthen collective security efforts.
What’s Next?
With Zelensky set to attend a major European summit, Starmer’s efforts to mediate between the U.S. and Ukraine will be put to the test. As the UK takes on a greater role in peace negotiations, all eyes will be on whether Starmer can successfully act as a bridge between two of the world’s most powerful and influential leaders.
The question remains: Can diplomacy prevail, or will tensions continue to mount?
