Donald Trump has claimed that UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer would have surrendered Ukraine to Russia, in a fresh attack on the British leader. The US president made the remarks amid escalating tensions between the two allies over the war in Iran and differing approaches to the conflict in Ukraine.
Trump's criticism of Starmer comes after the UK refused to participate in initial US-Israeli strikes on Iran in February, which began with the killing of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. The US president complained about Starmer's decision not to allow the use of RAF bases for bombing Iran, saying, 'This is not Winston Churchill that we’re dealing with.'
Despite the rift, Starmer has maintained a careful diplomatic balancing act, avoiding a deeper split with Washington while refusing to join the war Trump started. The prime minister told MPs: 'President Trump has expressed his disagreement with our decision not to get involved in the initial strikes, but it is my duty to judge what is in Britain’s national interest.'
Analysts note that foreign policy has been an area of relative strength for Starmer, who inherited two wars and a disconnected relationship with the EU. However, longer-term questions about Britain's security remain unresolved, and the UK's place in the world is less certain.
The relationship between the two leaders had earlier shown signs of warmth, with Starmer securing a second state visit for King Charles to the US. But goodwill evaporated as Trump pursued aggressive policies in Iran and appeared to favour Russia in the Ukraine conflict, leaving European allies concerned about Kyiv's fate.
