The meeting of British Prime Minister Keir Starmer with American President Donald Trump is a leading topic in the Western press today, writes BTA.
Starmer scored a diplomatic victory, as it seems that during his visit to the White House he managed to charm Trump and convince him to cooperate on important issues, writes the "Independent". Even before the start of the official talks, there were indications that the British leader had managed to obtain concessions in various areas, including trade, the British publication notes.
The meeting in the Oval Office began with something that attracted attention, points out "Independent" - Starmer handed the American president an invitation from King Charles III to visit Britain. Trump was also flattered by Starmer's words that he had changed the narrative on Ukraine.
The British newspaper notes that there were some awkward moments during the meeting, such as Trump's taunt of Starmer: "Can you handle Russia on your own?". In response, the British Prime Minister only laughed.
At the meeting with Starmer, the American president emphasized that he intends to impose tariffs against the European Union, but not against the United Kingdom. "Independent" focuses on Trump's words that there is a significant chance that the US will not have to impose tariffs on the UK because the two countries are great friends.
For most of the meeting, relations between Trump and Starmer appeared friendly, with Trump calling Starmer "exceptional" and "a very special person," the newspaper wrote. "Guardian".
The meeting came at one of the most critical moments for European security in decades - a moment when the new US government's position is converging with that of Russia and a break with the long-standing transatlantic consensus on Ukraine is being seen.
Keir Starmer used the meeting, which took place just 24 hours before Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky was due to visit Washington, to encourage Trump to provide guarantees for Ukraine's security if a peace deal is reached, to deter Russia from carrying out another attack, the "Guardian" notes.
The mood at the meeting was cordial, with Trump stressing that he has a wonderful relationship with Starmer and expressing his respect for King Charles, who happily accepted an invitation for a state visit to the UK, the newspaper writes. "Daily Telegraph".
Keir Starmer resorted to flattery and an invitation from the king to influence him on the issue of Ukraine, writes the "Washington Post". Trump's tone regarding Ukraine was marked by a greater willingness to provide support during the meeting yesterday with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, but the American leader did not promise guarantees for the security of Kiev, which European allies want, notes the "Wall Street Journal".