With Donald Trump’s state visit to the UK just a month away, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is performing a delicate dance in Washington. As part of the European “bodyguard” detail for Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Starmer must advocate fiercely for Ukraine while preserving the rapport needed for a successful diplomatic visit.
This context adds another layer of complexity to the Oval Office showdown. Both Starmer and Trump have a vested interest in maintaining good relations ahead of the high-profile visit. However, Starmer’s primary mission in DC is to stand with Zelenskyy and oppose any peace deal that forces Ukraine to cede territory.
Starmer’s strategy involves a careful balance. He has managed to cultivate a good working relationship with Trump, despite their ideological differences, which gives him a platform to make his case. At the same time, his warm, personal bond with Zelenskyy signals that his ultimate loyalty lies with the principles of sovereignty and justice.
The looming state visit could act as a point of leverage. A major diplomatic rift over Ukraine would cast a dark cloud over the event, something both sides would likely wish to avoid. Starmer will navigate this tightrope, using his position to argue for a just peace without rupturing the crucial US-UK relationship.
