Starmer Engages in Crisis Talks with Zelenskyy and Trump After Tense White House Meeting | Global News
Sir Keir Starmer has engaged in urgent phone discussions with both Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Donald Trump following a tense confrontation in the White House.
Mr. Zelenskyy visited Washington DC in hopes of securing a ceasefire with Russia and negotiating a potential mineral deal with the United States.
However, his trip was abruptly cut short—both the signing of an agreement and a joint press conference with Mr. Trump were canceled in the aftermath of their altercation in the Oval Office.
Ukraine update: Russian official reacts to White House meeting
Post the unprecedented meeting, both Mr. Trump and Mr. Zelenskyy addressed the media to share their perspectives.
Meanwhile, European leaders, including France’s Emmanuel Macron and Poland’s Donald Tusk, expressed their backing for Ukraine.
A spokesperson from Downing Street confirmed that Sir Keir had reached out to both Mr. Trump and Mr. Zelenskyy.
According to the spokesperson, “He [Sir Keir] remains steadfastly supportive of Ukraine and is making every effort to discover a route towards enduring peace based on Ukraine’s sovereignty and security.”
The spokesperson further mentioned that the Prime Minister is “eager” to welcome Mr. Zelenskyy to the UK for an international leaders’ summit scheduled for Sunday.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy leaves the White House following his dispute with Donald Trump. Pic: AP
‘Disrespectful’
During their meeting, which included U.S. Vice President JD Vance, the atmosphere rapidly escalated as they entered a shouting match, all captured on camera with media representatives present.
The last ten minutes of the nearly 45-minute session devolved into a tense exchange, initiated by Mr. Vance admonishing Mr. Zelenskyy: “I believe it’s disrespectful for you to come to the Oval Office and litigate this in front of American media.
“You should be expressing gratitude to the President [Trump] for making efforts to resolve this conflict.”
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As the Ukrainian president attempted to counter, Mr. Trump raised his voice, asserting: “You are putting at risk the lives of millions.
“You are playing with World War Three, and what you are doing is profoundly disrespectful to this country, which has supported you far more than many suggest it should.”
“You’re currently not in a strong position,” he added. “You don’t hold all the cards here; you will soon face issues.”
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‘This will be great television,’ says Trump
At one point, Mr. Vance criticized Mr. Zelenskyy for airing their “disagreements” publicly, but the U.S. President interjected: “I think it’s beneficial for the American public to witness what is happening.”
“You’re not acting at all grateful,” he remarked. “This will make for great television.”
Defending his position, the Ukrainian President confronted Mr. Trump about his lenient stance towards Vladimir Putin and urged him to avoid “making compromises with a killer.”
This fiery spectacle was hard to watch
The intense and very public confrontation between Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelenskyy poses a serious issue for Ukraine and its European partners, while providing a win for Russia.
The sight of the U.S. president rebuking his Ukrainian counterpart and implying that he is endangering the prospect of World War Three—broadcast live from the Oval Office—was difficult to observe.
Struggling to maintain his composure, Zelenskyy chose to fight back, likely feeling he had no option but to defend himself and his beleaguered nation.
However, this act of defiance only drew further disapproval from Trump, along with additional criticism from JD Vance, both of whom escalated their attacks on the Ukrainian leader.
The contrast between the friendly demeanor between Sir Keir Starmer and Trump, and the scolding tone applied by Trump towards Zelenskyy—at times addressing him as if he were a misbehaving child—is stark.
With his arms crossed, the Ukrainian president strove to assert himself, but it was evident he was in a precarious situation. The extraordinary collapse of their meeting is far more consequential than mere theatrical entertainment.
American assistance for Ukraine is vital if Kyiv is to endure amidst Russia’s aggression. The UK, France, and other European allies have been diligently working to keep Trump on their side.
The U.S. president has declared his intent to bring an end to the war and has initiated discussions with Vladimir Putin, with plans for a potential meeting between the two leaders also underway. This is a sight that Ukraine has found particularly hard to bear.
Nevertheless, the Ukrainian government has sought to collaborate with Washington rather than oppose it, even suggesting to share gains from its resources in exchange for securing a long-term partnership with Trump.
This now seems to be crumbling—or at best hanging by a thread.
Should Trump decide to retract all military support for Ukraine out of frustration, Kyiv’s capacity to withstand Russia’s advances will be severely hampered.
European nations lack the necessary resources to fill that gap. The sole victor in this scenario would be Vladimir Putin.
Posting on his Truth Social platform shortly after the contentious meeting, Mr. Trump characterized the encounter as “very significant” and noted: “A lot was learned that could never be grasped without a conversation held under such stress and tension.
“It’s astounding what emerges through emotion, and I have concluded that President Zelenskyy is not prepared for peace if America is involved, as he believes our involvement gives him an upper hand in negotiations.”
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Volodymyr Zelenskyy leaving the White House prematurely. Pic: AP
He added: “I do not seek advantage; I desire PEACE. He showed disrespect to the United States of America in its esteemed Oval Office. He may return when he is ready for peace.”
Zelenskyy posts on X after early departure
Mr. Trump and Mr. Zelenskyy were scheduled to have lunch with their respective delegations in the cabinet room after their meeting—however, untouched salads and other items were seen being packed away posthaste as the meal was abruptly called off.
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In the wake of their altercation, a U.S. official reported that Mr. Trump directed the Ukrainian leader to exit the White House, leaving the minerals deal in a state of uncertainty.
Upon leaving early, Mr. Zelenskyy tweeted: “Thank you, America, thank you for your support, thank you for this visit.
“Thanks to @POTUS, Congress, and the American people. Ukraine needs just and lasting peace, and we are diligently working towards that.”
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Zelenskyy speaks to Fox News
What was expected to be a celebration on Fox News devolved into damage control for Mr. Zelenskyy.
He described the meeting as one of candid and contrasting perspectives but maintained that he saw no reason to apologize.
Wishing that Mr. Trump was “more aligned with our goals,” he remarked after the U.S. president described himself as neutral between Ukraine and Russia.
“I truly desire him to be more supportive of our cause,” Mr. Zelenskyy stated. “It’s not solely about the conflict being between our nations; the war commenced when Russia brought this aggression upon our territory. They are in the wrong.”
The Ukrainian leader also expressed hope that their relationship could be restored.
Trump heads to Florida – but not without a final comment
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Post the White House confrontation, Mr. Trump spoke to reporters as he departed for a weekend in Florida.
“What he needs to convey is, ‘I want to pursue peace.’ He shouldn’t just focus on negativity about Putin. He must proclaim, ‘I desire peace. I aim to end this war.'” Mr. Trump remarked.
Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev seemed to take pleasure in the incident, stating on Telegram that the Ukrainian leader faced a “severe reprimand.”
European leaders unite on social media
In the aftermath, leaders globally and across Europe were quick to rally, voicing their support for Mr. Zelenskyy in advance of a summit in the UK on Sunday.
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Numerous leaders, including Canada’s Justin Trudeau, France’s Emmanuel Macron, and Germany’s Olaf Scholz, took to Twitter to show their support.
After facing criticism in the White House for not expressing enough gratitude to the U.S., Mr. Zelenskyy thanked the leaders individually on X.
He also had discussions with Mr. Macron, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, and EU Council President Antonio Costa via phone.
This comes as Sir Keir Starmer prepares to host a gathering of European leaders along with Mr. Zelenskyy to explore potential security backstops for Ukraine on Sunday.
