Washington, D.C., February 28, 2025 – The Europe Today: British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to supporting a peaceful resolution to the conflict in Ukraine, signaling readiness to take military action if necessary. In a joint press conference with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House on Thursday, Starmer stated that the UK is prepared to “put boots on the ground and planes in the air” as part of a comprehensive effort to secure a lasting and just peace agreement.
“We discussed a plan today to reach a peace that is tough and fair, one that Ukraine will help shape, and one that is backed by strength, to prevent Russian President Vladimir Putin from coming back for more,” Starmer said. He emphasized that the UK is working closely with European leaders to ensure that any peace agreement is not only enforceable but also sustainable, marking a pivotal moment in the international approach to the conflict.
The Prime Minister made clear that the UK’s support would be contingent on an agreement that does not reward the aggressor. “We have to win the peace, and that’s what we must do now. It can’t be peace that rewards the aggressor,” Starmer noted. “History must be on the side of the peacemaker, not the invader.”
Starmer’s remarks come amid growing concerns in Europe that President Trump’s approach to the war could involve significant concessions to Russia in the pursuit of a swift peace deal. In response, Starmer emphasized the need for Ukraine to be an integral part of any peace process, underscoring the importance of a “just peace.”
President Trump, speaking before Starmer, echoed the urgency of reaching a peace agreement, stating, “It’ll either be fairly soon or it won’t be at all.” He also revealed plans to sign a historic agreement with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, positioning the U.S. as a key partner in the development of Ukraine’s mineral resources. Trump expressed confidence that Russian President Putin would abide by any truce reached, suggesting that Russia would not restart the war if an economic foothold were established in Ukraine.
On Sunday, the UK will host a summit with 18 countries to further discussions on Ukraine, with Starmer emphasizing that any peace agreement must be reached without rewarding aggression. The summit is expected to lay the groundwork for continued international cooperation on the issue.
Starmer’s visit to the U.S. follows a similar trip by French President Emmanuel Macron and highlights growing European concerns about Trump’s position on the conflict. During his meeting with Trump, Starmer also addressed future economic collaboration, particularly in the field of advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence. Both leaders expressed optimism about the potential for a new economic agreement between the UK and the U.S., with a focus on seizing opportunities in emerging sectors without overregulation.
As part of his diplomatic engagement, President Trump is set to meet with President Zelenskyy on Friday to sign an agreement that would grant the U.S. access to Ukraine’s critical minerals, essential for industries such as aerospace, defense, and nuclear energy. However, the deal has sparked tension, as Zelenskyy has sought concrete security guarantees from the U.S., which Trump has yet to fully commit to.
Despite this, Trump reassured that the U.S. would act as a “backstop” by maintaining a presence in Ukraine, working to extract critical minerals, and reinforcing economic and strategic ties with the country.
