Trump Slams Putin for ‘Letting Him Down’ in Ukraine War During UK Visit with Starmer
London – Donald Trump warned that Russia President Vladimir Putin had “really let me down” as he met Prime Minister Keir Starmer for wide-ranging talks on Thursday, the final day of the US president’s historic UK state visit, focusing on the wars in Ukraine and Gaza, trade deals, and migration.
Trump’s pointed criticism of Putin came during a joint press conference at Starmer’s Chequers country residence on September 18, 2025, capping a whirlwind trip that blended royal pomp with diplomatic grit. The Republican leader, fresh from a Windsor Castle welcome by King Charles III, used the bilateral huddle to push for tougher European action on Russian oil, saying halting purchases would force Moscow to fold in Ukraine. “I thought the Ukraine conflict would be the easiest to end because of my relationship with President Putin, but he’s let me down. He’s really let me down,” Trump said, echoing Starmer’s calls for more pressure on Kyiv’s invader. The pair also signed a landmark tech deal on AI, quantum computing, and nuclear energy, with Trump hailing America’s “unbreakable bond” with Britain amid £150 billion ($205 billion) in US investments from giants like Microsoft and Google.
For Brits and Americans alike, the visit – Trump’s second state honour after 2019 – felt like a reset in the “special relationship,” strained by Brexit and Biden-era spats. Starmer, the fresh-faced Labour PM since July, positioned himself as a bridge to Trump’s Europe-skeptic White House, securing nods on Ukraine aid and a tariff truce while dodging barbs on Gaza. Trump’s Thursday tour of Winston Churchill artifacts at Chequers, led by Starmer, nodded to wartime allies, but cracks showed: the US leader sparred with the PM over UK plans for Palestinian statehood, calling it “one of our few disagreements.” As protests simmered in London – 5,000 marching against Trump’s policies – the duo’s warmth, with Starmer quipping they “genuinely like each other,” masked thornier chats on migration, where Trump pledged to “stop it” even with military muscle.
Putin Critique and Ukraine Push: Trump’s Tough Talk
Trump’s Putin jab, delivered with signature bluntness, built on his May 2025 White House vow for a “quick fix” in Ukraine – a war now in its fourth year with 500,000 casualties. “If the price of oil comes down, Putin’s going to drop out of that war,” he urged Europeans, repeating calls to shun Russian crude amid sanctions slips. Starmer, eyeing more US commitments for Kyiv, nodded vigorously, having lobbied Trump on £3 billion in aid since taking office. The PM, fresh from a Brussels NATO summit, positioned the UK as Europe’s steady hand: “We stand united against aggression.” Yet Trump’s history – praising Putin as “smart” pre-invasion – left allies wary, with Starmer’s bridge-building a bid to thaw frosty ties.
Gaza loomed too: Starmer pressed for a ceasefire, but Trump – a staunch Israel backer – pushed back on UK recognition plans, calling it premature amid hostage talks. The exchange, polite but pointed, highlighted divides: Starmer’s Labour faces domestic heat from pro-Palestine protests, while Trump’s base cheers his hardline.
Tech Deal and Investments: £150 Billion Boost for UK
The day’s crown jewel? A sweeping US-UK tech pact on AI, quantum, and nuclear, signed amid fanfare with CEOs like Microsoft’s Satya Nadella and Google’s Sundar Pichai in tow. Starmer touted it as “the first by the US and also the best,” unlocking £150 billion in pledges from Blackstone to biotech startups – a windfall for Britain’s post-Brexit economy. Trump beamed: “This is truly one of the highest honours of my life,” tying it to the May tariff truce that spared UK steel from 25% duties.
The deal, hashed in bilateral huddles, eyes AI safety regs and nuclear fusion R&D, with £10 billion earmarked for Manchester’s tech corridor. Starmer’s charm offensive – from Windsor teas to Chequers walks – paid off, but whispers of migration strings lingered: Trump teased military aid for UK border woes, a nod to Starmer’s Channel migrant crackdown.
Royal Farewell and Protests: Windsor’s Warmth, London’s Wrath
Trump’s Windsor send-off was pure pageantry: gun salutes, mounted guards, and a state banquet where Charles hailed his “peace efforts” on Ukraine, while gently nudging on climate for “our children and grandchildren.” Melania, staying behind, toured Queen Mary’s Doll’s House with Queen Camilla and met scouts with Princess Catherine – a soft touch amid the pomp. Trump gushed: “King Charles is a great gentleman and a great king,” as bagpipes wailed him off.
But London’s streets told another tale: 5,000 protesters marched Wednesday against Trump’s policies – from Gaza to migrants – with chants of “No Trump, No Fascists” echoing Parliament Square. Stop Trump Coalition’s Faiza Shaheen: “This visit glorifies division.” Police kept peace, but tensions simmered – a far cry from the red-carpet welcome.
Starmer’s High-Wire Act: Domestic Drama and Diplomatic Wins
Starmer’s gamble paid dividends: the tech pact and Ukraine nods bolster his “global Britain” pitch, but home fires burn. Sacking ambassador Peter Mandelson over Jeffrey Epstein ties – the disgraced financier’s web ensnaring Trump too – rocked No. 10, with Labour rebels crying cronyism. Epstein’s ghost, with 1990s Trump photos resurfacing, added awkwardness – though both men distanced: “Ancient history,” Trump’s camp shrugged.
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