British Prime Minister Keir Starmer met with US President Donald Trump at the White House, where discussions focused on Ukraine, European security, and diplomatic ties, AP reported. Starmer’s visit follows a similar trip by French President Emmanuel Macron, as European leaders seek clarity on Trump’s approach to the war in Ukraine.Starmer and Macron have pushed for a clearer US stance on Ukraine, particularly after the Trump administration held talks with Russia without Ukrainian or European representatives and refused to support UN resolutions blaming Russia for the invasion.European allies worry that Trump’s push for a settlement might concede too much to Putin.The White House has denied such concerns. “He hasn’t conceded anything to anyone,” Vice President JD Vance stated. “He’s doing the job of a diplomat,” Reuters reported.Upcoming Trump-Zelenskyy meetingTrump is set to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Friday, where they are expected to sign an agreement granting the US access to Ukraine’s critical minerals. Zelenskyy had initially resisted the deal due to the absence of specific US security guarantees.While Trump remained noncommittal on security assurances, he argued that US economic involvement in Ukraine would deter further Russian aggression. “We are a backstop because we’ll be over there, we’ll be working in the country,” he said, as per AP.Also Read: | US-Europe ‘break’ is changing the world: What’s happening and why?European peacekeeping proposalShould a truce be reached, Starmer and Macron have proposed sending European troops to Ukraine for peacekeeping. However, US officials remain skeptical about Europe’s ability to assemble a sufficient force.Story continues below this adIrish Prime Minister Micheál Martin expressed openness to contributing troops, but European officials acknowledged that US intelligence, surveillance, and rapid-response support would be necessary for any effective mission.UK-US defense and diplomatic cooperationStarmer is set to host an international meeting in the UK focusing on Ukraine, where Zelenskyy is expected to attend. The British prime minister also announced an increase in the UK’s defense spending to 2.5% of GDP by 2027, with plans to reach 3% by 2035—moves that align with Trump’s calls for greater European defense contributions, AP reported.Beyond Ukraine, Starmer emphasized that discussions with Trump also covered global security, AI cooperation, and border security. “The world is becoming ever more dangerous, and it is more important than ever that we are united with our allies,” he said, as per AP.Also Read: | Trump is building a new American empireTrump signals support for UK in Chagos Islands disputeDuring their meeting, Trump indicated that he was “inclined” to support the UK in its ongoing negotiations over the Chagos Islands, handing Starmer a diplomatic win. “We’re going to have some discussions about that very soon, and I have a feeling it’s going to work out very well,” Trump said, according to Reuters.Story continues below this adBritain had previously agreed to cede sovereignty of the islands to Mauritius while retaining a military base on Diego Garcia under a 99-year lease. The deal, initially backed by former President Joe Biden, is under review by the Trump administration.Trump on UK military strengthWhen asked whether the US would defend Britain if Putin attacked British troops in Ukraine, Trump responded, “I’ve always found about the British, they don’t need much help. They can take care of themselves very well.” He added, as per Reuters, “But if they need help, I’ll always be with the British.”Starmer formally invited Trump for a state visit on behalf of King Charles, making him the first US president to receive the honor twice. “This is historic and unprecedented,” Starmer said, as per AP.(With inputs from Reuters and AP)