Donald Trump has ended his UK state visit with sharp words for Russia’s Vladimir Putin and warm praise for Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
Speaking after talks at Chequers on Thursday, Trump said Putin had “really let me down” by continuing the war in Ukraine. The US president revealed he once thought the conflict would be the “easiest” to end because of his ties with the Russian leader.
Strong Message on Ukraine
Trump urged European countries to cut off Russian oil purchases. He argued that lowering oil prices would force Putin to “drop out of that war.”
Starmer has positioned himself as a bridge between Trump and Europe. His repeated calls for more international pressure on Moscow appear to be shifting Trump’s tone.
Major Tech Investment Deal
Despite differences, the two leaders sealed a huge technology deal. The agreement covers artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and nuclear energy.
The deal comes with £150 billion ($205 billion) in pledges from US giants like Microsoft, Google, and Blackstone. Starmer described it as proof of the “unbreakable bond” between the UK and US.
Points of Disagreement
Trump and Starmer did not agree on everything. Trump rejected the UK’s move to recognize a Palestinian state, calling it “one of our few disagreements.”
He also weighed in on illegal migration in the UK. Trump claimed he told Starmer he would stop it, even if that meant using the military.
Royal Pageantry and Public Protests
Earlier, Trump was treated to full royal honors at Windsor Castle by King Charles III. He called the monarch a “great gentleman and a great king.”
At Chequers, Starmer showed Trump Winston Churchill artifacts, appealing to the president’s admiration for Britain’s wartime leader.
But the visit was not without controversy. Thousands of protesters marched in London, though Trump avoided direct contact with the demonstrations.
A Visit of Mixed Outcomes
As Trump departed for Washington, Starmer could claim wins on investment and alignment on Ukraine. Yet disagreements on the Middle East and migration remain.
Trump, meanwhile, left the UK saying the state visit was “one of the highest honours” of his life.
