In a dramatic and unexpected shift in rhetoric, former US President Donald Trump used a high-profile press conference alongside British Prime Minister Keir Starmer to launch a surprising critique of Russian leader Vladimir Putin, while effusively praising the United Kingdom's global role.
The event, held in a packed room, showcased a significant tonal departure from Trump's previous often-friendly stance towards the Kremlin. He directly addressed the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, marking a stark contrast to his past comments.
A Stark Rebuke of Putin
"What's happening with Russia and Ukraine is a disgrace," Trump stated unequivocally. "He never should have gone in... It's a very sad situation." This public condemnation of Putin's invasion represents one of his strongest rebukes to date, catching many foreign policy analysts off guard.
He further framed the war as a catastrophic failure of global leadership, suggesting the conflict would never have occurred on his watch, a pointed criticism aimed at the current Biden administration.
Lauding the 'Special' UK Relationship
Turning to his host, Trump's tone shifted to one of warm camaraderie. He lavished praise on Prime Minister Starmer, the UK's new Labour leader, and the nation itself.
"We have the greatest relationship with the UK, it's a special relationship," Trump declared, affirming a cornerstone of Anglo-American diplomacy. He complimented Starmer directly, stating, "He's a very good man. He's a very good man. He's going to do a fantastic job."
This endorsement and the collaborative atmosphere signal a potential warming of US-UK relations under a future Trump administration and a Labour government, a dynamic many will watch closely.
Starmer's Confident Debut
For Prime Minister Starmer, the press conference served as a crucial early test on the world stage. He stood confidently alongside the former president, emphasising the enduring strength of the UK-US alliance regardless of political changes.
Starmer reinforced the UK's steadfast support for Ukraine, aligning himself with a broader Western consensus. His performance demonstrated a deliberate effort to project stability and continuity in Britain's foreign policy to an international audience.
The event concludes Trump's visit to the UK, a trip that has undoubtedly reshaped perceptions of his potential foreign policy approach towards both allies and adversaries.
