This story was originally published by the WND News Center.
WASHINGTON – United Kingdom Prime Minister Keir Starmer visited the White House today, and praised President Donald Trump's leadership in the campaign to end the war between Russia and Ukraine.
Starmer thanked Trump, "…for changing the conversation to bring about the possibility that now we can have a peace deal."
He continued, "Now we want to work with you to make sure that peace deal is enduring, that it lasts […] and we'll work with you to make sure that absolutely happens."
Answering reporters' questions, Trump reiterated that the deal will not include allowing Ukraine to join NATO. He believes it would land the two Eastern European countries back at square one.
"I could be very nice and say, 'Oh, well, we'll work on it.' Look, it's not going to happen," Trump said. "That was one of the primary reasons it started."
The president also affirmed that the U.S. will remain a "backstop" to Ukrainian security, while saying he trusts that Russian President Vladimir Putin will not break any agreement.
"I don't believe he's going to violate his word. I don't think he'll be back [in Ukraine] when we make a deal. I think the deal is going to hold now," he said.
Trump pointed to other countries that are invested in the ceasefire as a reason the deal would last. "I know France wants to be there […] I don't think we're going to even be necessary but I don't think there'll be any problem with keeping the deal with the security."
It's clear that Great Britain is invested in a positive relationship with this administration. While visiting the Oval Office, Starmer presented Trump with an invitation from King Charles III for an "unprecedented" second state visit to the U.K.
"This is really special. This has never happened before." Starmer said, seated next to Trump.
"I think that just symbolizes the strength of the relationship between us. This is a very special letter. I think the last state visit was a tremendous success," he continued. "His majesty the king wants to make this even better than that."
For his part, Trump seemed genuinely taken aback by the historic invite and quickly accepted on behalf of himself and First Lady Melania Trump. They will stay at Windsor Castle.
