Express asks if Keir Starmer should back Trump, Zelensky or try and stay neutral

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Express asks if Keir Starmer should back Trump, Zelensky or try and stay neutral

Sir Keir Starmer is facing one of biggest moments of his premiership as he attempts to balance supporting Ukraine in the war against Russia while at the same type keeping Donald Trump happy.

Last week, the Prime Minister travelled to Washington for what was notably a very friendly meeting with the US President at the Oval Office during which passed on an invitation from King Charles for an unprecedented second state visit.

But fast-forward 24 hours and President Volodymyr Zelensky was sitting in the same chair occupied by Sir Keir, but the reception for the Ukrainian quickly became decidedly unfriendly.

Played out before the media in scenes that shocked the world, the wartime leader of Ukraine was called "disrespectful" by Mr Trump and Vice-President JD Vance, before the US president pulled the plug on an expected peace deal.

As European leaders, joined by the Canadian PM and Mr Zelensky, gather in London today for a summit, it's become clear that Mr Starmer may need to walk a diplomacy tightrope to keep the United States part of any peace deal.

Should Starmer back Trump, Zelensky or try and stay neutral? Vote in our poll and join the debate in the comments section. Can't see the poll below? Click here

The Prime Minister said his "driving purpose" over the last few days has been reuniting Ukraine and the US after their presidents clashed in the White House.

Sir Keir said he is "working hard" to bring about a lasting peace in the war-torn eastern European country.

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky will join the Prime Minister at today's summit alongside the leaders of other European countries, before he heads off to meet the King.

Sir Keir told the BBC's Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg the encounter made him feel "uncomfortable", adding: "Nobody wants to see that."

The Prime Minister said: "The important thing is how to react to that. There are a number of different routes people could go down. One is to ramp up the rhetoric as to how outraged we all are or not.

"The other is to do what I did, which is roll up my sleeves, pick up the phone, talk to President Trump, talk to President Zelensky, then invite President Zelensky for an extensive meeting yesterday, a warm welcome, and then further pick up the phone to President Macron and President Trump afterwards.

"My driving purpose has been to to bridge this, if you like, and get us back to the central focus."

Sir Keir insisted he trusts both Mr Zelensky and Mr Trump, who he believes is motivated by a "lasting peace".

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