UK tried to save Ukraine-US agreement, but it didn't work out - Bloomberg
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer (photo: Getty Images)
After a contentious dialogue at the White House on February 28, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer attempted to bring the presidents of Ukraine and the US back to the negotiating table. However, these efforts proved futile, according to Bloomberg.
Bloomberg notes that after the live broadcast conflict, Starmer tried to salvage the economic deal between the countries through phone discussions. However, according to sources, Donald Trump's team refused to return to negotiations and stated that time was needed to cool down.
According to one European official, the Trump administration demanded a public apology from Zelenskyy to restore relations.
Insiders at Downing Street highlighted the difference in approaches to the events in Washington. Other high-ranking European officials quickly moved to defend Zelensky on social media and condemned Trump and Vice President JD Vance.
Meanwhile, Starmer picked up the phone. According to British officials, they may leverage Trump's frequent preference for Britain over the European Union, as well as the working relationships between the leaders of the UK and the US.
The Ukraine support summit on Sunday, March 2, at Lancaster House in London has become increasingly relevant in the context of the transatlantic relationship breakdown. Starmer aims to restore leadership in Europe after Brexit, promising to increase the defense budget from 2.3% to 2.5% of economic output.
"Starmer, along with French President Emmanuel Macron, who hosted a similar summit in Paris last month, are hoping to spur greater security commitment to gain a seat at the negotiating table. Now they must overcome concerns that Trump has already given up on the Ukrainian cause, and with it Europe," writes Bloomberg.
Tense meeting between Zelenskyy and Trump
On Friday, February 28, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy visited Washington. During the meeting with US President Donald Trump, the signing of a finalized agreement on mineral resources was planned.
However, during the meeting, an emotional dispute occurred between Zelenskyy, Trump, and US Vice President JD Vance.
Afterward, the Ukrainian president left the White House early, and the mineral resources agreement was not signed.
Trump accused President Zelenskyy of being unprepared for peace negotiations with Russia.
As Bloomberg reported, despite the argument, the US does not intend to abandon its efforts to end the war in Ukraine.
