US President Donald Trump and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer met at the White House on Thursday, where their conversation was a mix of politeness and tension.

Starmer tried to gain Trump's support for US military aid to Ukraine in its war against Russia, but Trump dismissed the request. During the meeting, Trump praised Britain's "incredible military" and jokingly asked, "Could you take on Russia by yourselves?"

Trump said that the UK can handle its problems, and if Britain's peacekeeping forces ever come under attack and need help, he will always support them.

Starmer talked about the strong relationship between the US and the UK and how both countries have always supported each other. Trump praised the UK Prime Minister, saying the country has "done a great job" over the years. Starmer replied that their mutual support is what makes their alliance one of the strongest for prosperity and security.

The British PM also shared an invitation from King Charles for a future state visit, which Trump accepted. Starmer noted that the US has opened a great chance for a historic peace deal in Ukraine, a deal that could be celebrated worldwide but stressed that it must be done right. Before the meeting, he had argued that a lasting peace in Ukraine could not happen without US security guarantees, a point that Trump dismissed.

Trump, 78, also pointed out that he did not believe Russian President Putin who is responsible for the invasions in 2014 and 2022, would launch further attacks after a peace deal is reached. Meanwhile, addressing his earlier controversial remarks about Ukrainian President  Zelenskyy, Trump tried to backtrack by saying, "Did I say that? I can't believe I said that." He added that, although things got a bit heated, the US wants to work with Zelenskyy and will continue to do so.

At his first Cabinet meeting, Trump announced that Zelenskyy is scheduled to visit the White House on Friday to sign a minerals deal, calling it "a very big agreement." This deal was a condition Trump set in exchange for financial support for Ukraine's war effort, a support he often criticizes for costing too much taxpayer money.

Keir Starmer is the latest European leader to meet Trump, following French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit on Monday, though their discussions highlighted clear differences in their views on Russia's war with Ukraine.

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