Ukraine peace deal will happen ‘fairly quickly or not at all’: Trump

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer urged US President Donald Trump to provide stronger security assurances for Ukraine and warned against making concessions to Russian President Vladimir Putin in any peace agreement. However, Trump dismissed these concerns, asserting that negotiations to end the war must happen “now or never.”

Speaking at a joint press conference with Starmer, Trump stated that a peace deal to end the war would “happen fairly quickly or not happen at all.” He emphasized his administration’s efforts to bring an end to the conflict, adding, “We’ve made a lot of progress.” His remarks come ahead of a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Friday.

European Leaders Concerned Over US Approach

Trump’s reluctance to make security commitments has raised concerns among European leaders. Starmer’s visit follows a similar appeal from French President Emmanuel Macron, who urged the US to ensure that any peace deal does not reward Russian aggression.

Zelensky’s upcoming visit is expected to result in a minerals trade agreement, which Trump claims will give the US access to Ukraine’s critical resources as “payback” for the billions in military and economic aid provided since Russia’s invasion in 2022. The Ukrainian leader initially rejected the proposal but is now expected to sign a revised version.

Trump suggested that having US companies operate in Ukraine’s mining sector would deter future Russian aggression, saying, “I don’t think anyone is going to play around if we’re there with a lot of workers.”

Tensions Between Trump and Zelensky

Despite their planned meeting, Trump signaled that relations with Zelensky remain strained. When asked whether he would apologize for calling the Ukrainian leader a “dictator,” Trump avoided the question, saying, “I think we are going to have a very good meeting tomorrow.”

US-UK Relations and Trade Talks

During his visit, Starmer presented Trump with gifts and a personal invitation from King Charles for a state visit to the UK. Trump accepted, making him the first elected US politician to receive two state visits from British monarchs.

The two leaders also discussed trade, with Trump promising a new US-UK bilateral trade and investment deal. However, behind the scenes, Starmer pressed Trump on security guarantees for Ukraine, to which Trump responded, “You’re a very tough negotiator… I’m not sure I like that, but that’s OK.”

Concerns Over European Security

Starmer warned that a peace agreement that concedes too much to Russia could embolden other US adversaries, such as China and Iran. He emphasized, “We have to win the peace… because it can’t be a peace that rewards the aggressor.”

European nations, including the UK and France, have discussed deploying troops as a peacekeeping force in post-war Ukraine. However, Trump has refused to commit US military support, stating, “They don’t need much help. They can take care of themselves very well.”

Since returning to office last month, Trump has taken a more conciliatory approach toward Russia, frustrating European allies. Last week, the US held talks with Russia in Saudi Arabia without including Ukraine or other European nations. Additionally, the US refused to support a UN resolution blaming Russia for the war.

Uncertainty Over a Peace Deal

Despite Trump’s optimism, an immediate peace deal remains uncertain. Russia continues to launch attacks on Ukraine’s capital, and Moscow has rejected proposals that include European peacekeepers or the return of annexed Ukrainian territories.

Meanwhile, European leaders are increasing their military commitments. Starmer announced that the UK will raise its defense spending from 2.3% of GDP to 2.5% by 2027 and 2.6% by 2028, marking the largest sustained increase since the Cold War.

While Trump insists a peace deal is close, Russia’s continued military aggression and European concerns suggest that a resolution remains elusive.