During a meeting at the White House, Donald Trump expressed confidence that Vladimir Putin would uphold his commitments regarding a peace deal for Ukraine. Trump argued that the involvement of US workers extracting critical minerals in Ukraine would serve as a security measure to deter Russia from further aggression.

Trump, joined by Keir Starmer at the White House, stated that Putin could be trusted not to violate any agreement that aims to reclaim as much of the territories seized by Russia in the ongoing conflict.

However, Trump did not fully commit to sending US forces to support a European-led peacekeeping mission, despite emphasizing that the US would always support the British military.

In a significant concession, Trump appeared open to supporting the Chagos Islands deal and praised Starmer for his negotiating skills, indicating that he would not impose tariffs on the UK.

Trump valued the relationship with Starmer, calling him an “outstanding person.” The discussions took place amid heightened tensions in European security, with the US aligning with Russia and a shift in the long-standing transatlantic stance on Ukraine.

The meeting occurred just before Ukraine’s President, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, was set to visit Washington to finalize a critical minerals agreement. Starmer used the meeting to press Trump for security guarantees to protect Kyiv from possible attacks by Russia.

We’ve discussed a plan today to reach a peace that is tough and fair, one that Ukraine will help shape and that’s backed by strength to stop Putin coming back for more.
I’m working closely with other European leaders on this, and I’m clear that the UK is ready to put boots on the ground and planes in the air to support a deal.
Working together with our allies, because that is the only way that peace will last.

Starmer underlined the importance of security assurances for any deal’s longevity. Trump suggested that the US investment in Ukraine’s rare earths sector would be sufficient to deter Russia.

Trump reiterated adherence to the Nato principle of collective defense, stating that the British have a strong military capable of self-defense but assured UK peacekeeping forces under attack would find the US in support.

Although the discussions were mostly harmonious, Trump clarified his past misstatement about Zelenskyy being a dictator, acknowledging a previously strained financial support relationship but emphasizing improved ties.

This news update encapsulates the key moments from the Trump-Starmer meeting, the first since Trump’s return to office, covering issues of security, trade, and ongoing geopolitical tensions.

Source: https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2025/feb/27/trump-says-putin-would-keep-his-word-on-a-ukraine-peace-deal