Keir Starmer warns Trump that Putin will 'come again' for Ukraine ahead of key Washington visit

Keir Starmer has warned Donald Trump that Russia could plunge Europe into war again if there's a botched Ukraine peace deal ahead of crunch talks in Washington.

The Prime Minister will hold a pivotal meeting with the US President on Thursday, where he'll battle to persuade Mr Trump not to betray Kyiv as the security of the continent hangs in the balance. Ahead of the talks, Mr Starmer insisted Mr Trump was on side against Vladimir Putin - despite his attacks on Ukrainian President Volodymr Zelensky, who he has accused of starting the war and branded a "dictator".

In a make-or-break week, President Zelensky is expected to visit the White House on Friday to discuss a deal to give the US access to Ukraine's valuable minerals. Mr Trump wants to claw back cash after complaining the US spent too much supporting Ukraine.

But no security guarantees have been agreed - something Kyiv regards as critical. European leaders are pushing for a US "backstop" to any Ukraine peace agreement to stop Russia from attacking again.

But the US President poured cold water on these hopes, telling his Cabinet: "I'm not going to make security guarantees beyond very much. "We're going to have Europe do that, because we're talking about Europe as the next door neighbour."

The remarks underline the scale of the challenge ahead for the PM as he tries to convince Mr Trump not to abandon Ukraine and Europe to Russian aggression.

Speaking to reporters on the way to Washington, Mr Starmer said: "The backstop is so important, that the security guarantee has to be sufficient to deter [Vladimir] Putin from coming again.

"Because my concern is if there is a ceasefire without a backstop, it will simply give him the opportunity to wait and to come again because his ambition in relation to Ukraine is pretty obvious for all to see."

The PM insisted there was "no issue" between Mr Trump and himself when it comes to the Russian tyrant. Asked if Trump knows that Putin is the aggressor in Ukraine, he said: "Of course the president has been very clear about the peace that he wants.

"He's right about that. We all want peace. The question is, how do we make sure it's a lasting peace? There's no issue between us on this."

Mr Starmer said the US President could be trusted despite his decision to tear up decades of security cooperation, to engage with Putin and to brand President Zelensky a "dictator".

He said: "Yes, I've got a good relationship with him. I've met him, I've spoken to him on the phone, and this relationship between our two countries is a special relationship with a long history, forged as we fought wars together, as we traded together. I want it to go from strength to strength.”

The PM said he understood the gravity of offering to put British troops on the ground in Ukraine to protect a ceasefire but the UK had to play its part.

Mr Starmer dismissed questions about whether Mr Putin would agree to European peacekeepers. “Well I’m not answering to Putin," he retorted.

"I’m considering how we preserve peace in Europe and how we get a lasting peace in Ukraine. I’m absolutely convinced that we need a lasting peace, not a ceasefire, and for that to happen we need security guarantees."

He declined to give further details of what such a plan would entail, but added: "We will play our part."

After a drumbeat of gloomy warnings over the security of Europe if the US walks away, Mr Starmer sent a message of reassurance to Brits.

He said: "I want to reassure the British public that what we’re doing is to ensure their safety, their security and defence of our country. And that is why we’re taking the measures we are, in terms of the increase in defence spend."

Ahead of the visit, Mr Starmer made the shock announcement that the UK would increase defence spending to 2.5% of GDP by 2027 - and aim to hit 3% by the early 2030s. Chancellor Rachel Reeves on Wednesday urged European allies to follow Britain in ramping up defence budgets in a clear signal to the White House.

But the cash hike - the biggest since the Cold War - comes at the expense of the foreign aid budget, which will be slashed by £6billion. Mr Starmer said: "We're not pulling away. I've been really clear about Gaza, Ukraine and Sudan, because obviously they are conflict zones at the moment."

Downing Street hinted that the PM would use the Royal Family as a trump card in his charm offensive with the mercurial President. Mr Trump is expected to be invited to the UK for another state visit, which would make him the first elected politician ever to have two Royal welcomes.

The PM's spokesman said: "President Trump has a great and deep respect for the Royal Family, and he has met King Charles on a number of occasions and the Prime Minister would absolutely welcome a President Trump visit to the UK in the future."

Asked about a state visit, the PM said it was a matter for the King to decide - but added: "He’s very fond of the Royal Family, as you know."

European leaders are set to gather in London on Sunday for a crisis summit on defence, with the Ukrainian President expected to attend.