Donald Trump slapped down Keir Starmer intervention after Zelensky row | World | News

The Prime Minister failed in an attempt to get Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelensky to reconcile in the aftermath of their fierce row in the White House, reports say. Number 10 tried to persuade the US and Ukrainian president to “patch things up” while Mr Zelensky was still in Washington DC, reports the BBC’s Laura Kuenssberg.

The journalist, who presents the BBC’s Sunday morning political interview programme, Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg, said in a post on social media that both sides were hesitant with Mr Trump “less enthusiastic”. In a heated exchange in the Oval Office, Mr Trump told the Ukrainian President he didn’t “have the cards right now” and was “gambling with World War Three”. As tempers flared, Mr Trump told his Ukrainian counterpart: “You’re gambling with World War Three, and what you’re doing is very disrespectful to the country, this country that’s backed you far more than a lot of people say they should have.”

The tense viewing also saw Vice President JD Vance accuse Mr Zelensky of being “disrespectful”, claiming he had not been thankful enough for US military aid during the war – which Mr Zelensky denied.

The leaders had been expected to sign a minerals deal but Mr Zelensky was told to leave the White House early, with the deal unsigned.

After the meeting, Mr Trump said on social media he had “determined” that Mr Zelensky “is not ready for peace”.

On his own socials, Mr Zelensky thanked the US for its support.

European leaders rallied behind the Ukrainian following the confrontation, with Sir Keir Starmer set to host a summit of European leaders at Downing Street on Sunday to discuss bringing the war to an end.

According to Kuenssberg, a Government source says Sir Keir will “make clear” to European leaders that he’s had enough of those who make ‘beautifully crafted speeches’ but then at the end of a meeting, don’t cough up more cash or military aid for Ukraine.

The BBC journalist added belief within Downing Street is that there is no long term safety for Ukraine without the US being part of its security.

Sir Keir welcomed Mr Zelensky to Number 10 on Saturday afternoon, telling him he has “full backing across the United Kingdom” and that Britain stands with Ukraine “for as long as it may take”.

Mr Zelensky will meet the King on Sunday as part of his visit.