U.S. President Donald Trump hosted British Prime Minister Keir Starmer at the White House for high-level discussions. Washington’s sudden policy shift on the Russia-Ukraine war has unsettled European leaders.

Both leaders spoke highly of each other during their meeting and the following press conference. Trump referred to Sir Keir as a "special man" and a "great gentleman," while the British Prime Minister commended the US leader for "changing the conversation" on Ukraine.

During a press interaction, Trump put Starmer on the spot regarding the UK’s ability to counter Russia’s invasion. “They need help, I’ll always be with the British, okay? I will always be with them, but they don’t need help."

Trump then remarked on Britain’s past successes, saying, “You have done very well over the years, haven’t you?" To this, Starmer responded, “Yes, we have, I am very proud of our country, and we have also been backing each other up between our two countries. That is why this is the greatest alliance for prosperity and security I think the world has ever seen."

At one point, Trump suddenly asked Starmer, “Could you take on Russia by yourselves?" Both leaders laughed in response.

During the discussions, Starmer reportedly urged the U.S. to provide a “backstop" for any Ukraine ceasefire, arguing that it was necessary to prevent Russian President Vladimir Putin from launching another invasion. However, Trump dismissed the request for a military commitment, maintaining his stance that European nations should shoulder more responsibility for Ukraine’s defence.

“If there’s a deal in, we’ve got to make sure it’s a deal that lasts, that is not temporary but lasts. And that’s why we need to make sure that it’s secure, and we’ve leant it in and said we’ll play our part, and we’ve talked and we will talk about how we work with yourself, Mr. President, to ensure that this deal is something which is not violated because it’s very important that if there is a deal, we keep it," Starmer expressed.

Trump expressed confidence that a peace deal with Russia would be effective and stated that he did not believe Putin would invade Ukraine again. “I think Russia has been acting very well… I think we’re very well advanced on the deal, but we have not made a deal yet," he said. Trump is scheduled to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Friday.

When asked if he could trust Russian President Vladimir Putin, Trump responded with, “trust and verify," repeating former US President Ronald Reagan’s stance on negotiations with the Soviet Union.

During a press conference, as British Prime Minister Keir Starmer answered a question about Canada, Trump interrupted him. Canada has recently faced new US tariffs, raising fears of a potential trade war.

“I think you’re (journalist) trying to find a divide between us that doesn’t exist. We’re the closest of nations, and we had very good discussions today, but we didn’t touch Canada," Starmer replied to a journalist’s question.

As Starmer spoke, Trump was overheard saying, “That’s enough, thank you," though his remark was actually directed at a reporter attempting to ask a follow-up question.

Meanwhile, President Donald Trump announced plans to impose tariffs on Canada and Mexico starting next Tuesday, doubling the existing 10% universal tariff on imports from China.

Earlier this month, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau rejected Trump’s suggestion that he could use “economic force" to turn Canada into the 51st U.S. state.

As the outcome of the discussion, the Republican president has imposed tariffs on several countries early in his first term, using them as leverage to push allies into action.

However, he suggested that the UK might be exempt. Trump expressed optimism about a "real trade deal" with the UK that wouldn’t require tariffs and described Keir as a "tough negotiator" who worked hard to convince him not to impose trade tariffs on Britain.

"He was working hard, I'll tell you that," Trump remarked. "He earned whatever the hell they pay him over there, but he tried.” "I think there's a very good chance that in the case of these two great, friendly countries, I think we could very well end up with a real trade deal where the tariffs wouldn't be necessary. We'll see."

The unexpectedly positive meeting came after weeks of tension in the transatlantic relationship, mainly due to Trump's efforts to push for an end to the war in Ukraine.

Trump said about the UK, "I have investments there; I own Turnberry, I own Aberdeen, and I own a great place called Doonbeg in Ireland [Ireland isn't in the UK]”.

"So, I have a great warm spot for your country."

The primary purpose of the visit was to work towards a lasting peace in Ukraine.

Keir accompanied Macron into the Oval Office to gain Trump’s support after his administration recently held direct talks with Russia without involving Ukraine, a move that raised concerns across European capitals. However, during their meeting, Trump did not provide any security assurances, and the two leaders expressed differing perspectives.

Trump warned that "if it [a peace deal] doesn't happen quickly, it may not happen at all," while Sir Keir emphasised that "history must be on the side of the peacemaker, not the invader."

The recent actions of Keir and Macron demonstrated that the continent is responding with urgency. Prime Minister Keir also announced a significant increase in defence spending, an initiative Trump has long advocated. This economic deal has become an essential step toward any possible peace settlement. Trump stated that the agreement would involve American workers in Ukraine, arguing that their presence would serve as a safeguard alongside any peacekeeping forces. Regarding the Chagos Islands deal, which earned criticism for  Keir, Trump expressed support, saying that the plan to relinquish sovereignty while leasing back the U.S.-UK base would "work out well."

Before their discussions, Keir dramatically presented a letter from the King addressed to Trump, inviting him for a "private and confidential" second state visit. The letter proposed a preliminary meeting to plan the visit's logistics and schedule.

During their exchange, the two leaders gave each other gifts; Keir presented Trump with a family tartan golf cap and Downing Street-branded golf balls, while Trump gifted him a US football jersey with "10" and his surname on the back.

On Sunday, Keir will conclude a busy week of diplomacy by hosting President Zelenskyy at Downing Street and leading a summit with European leaders on Ukraine, following up on an earlier meeting in Paris. He will also call Baltic leaders and welcome Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.

In an interview with The Spectator after the US-UK talks, Trump expressed surprise at how well he and Keir got along. He also commented on the Ukraine war, calling it a "vicious war" and mentioning North Korea’s involvement, stating: "They learned the hard way... they have suffered tremendous casualties."

Additionally, The Spectator reported that former US president Joe Biden attributed his election loss to his Democratic successor, Barack Obama and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.