Trump meets Starmer over Ukraine peace

Russian, US teams hold talks in Turkiye as Putin says initial contacts inspire hope

WASHINGTON — US President Donald Trump and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer met at the White House on Thursday for their first in-person talks since the Republican leader upended US policy on Ukraine, the Middle East and global trade.

Trump took a softer tone on Ukraine truce talks on Thursday, but refused to give any firm commitments on the US security guarantees Europe desperately wants.

In an upbeat meeting, Trump, who has alarmed European capitals with his sudden pivot toward Russia, said there had been "a lot of progress" toward a deal to end the conflict in Ukraine and that negotiations were at a crucial stage.