According to Washington sources Boris Johnson has been working behind the scenes to influence Donald Trump’s stance on Ukraine and trade, as Keir Starmer faces a critical meeting at the White House today.
The former Prime Minister is said to have played a key role in securing a US-Ukraine mineral deal and has been quietly advising Trump on his approach to Britain.
Sources suggest that Boris, who is far closer to Trump than many realise, has been “softening him up” for Starmer, ensuring that Britain’s interests are safeguarded in what could become a major global realignment under the US President.
While many British political figures were delighted to receive invitations to President Trump’s inauguration last month, it was Boris who secured the golden ticket—a personal invitation from Trump himself to sit in the hallowed rotunda of the Capitol, among the great and the good, notably, within touching distance of the Trump family itself.
It is understood that Boris has been instrumental in smoothing things over, ensuring that Trump gives Starmer a fair hearing—a vital move given the US President’s longstanding scepticism of the Labour Prime Minister, NATO and his hostile stance towards European trade practices.
The meeting between Starmer and Trump today is expected to be one of the most consequential diplomatic encounters of the Labour Prime Minister’s tenure. Starmer is under pressure to secure US security guarantees for Ukraine and to spare Britain from any potential tariffs as Washington ramps up economic pressure on the EU.
Trump Doubles Down on NATO and Trade War with Europe
Reports suggest Trump showed little sign of backing down last night, blaming NATO for Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and insisting that the US will not be providing long-term security guarantees “beyond very much”.
“We’re going to have Europe do that,” he told a Cabinet meeting, adding that Ukraine should “forget about” joining NATO. He went on to suggest that NATO’s expansion was the reason for the war in the first place—a position that directly contradicts the UK government’s view.
On trade, Trump reaffirmed his plans to impose 25% tariffs on the EU, arguing that the bloc was “formed to screw” the United States.
Britain, however, has escaped these punitive measures, another Brexit benefit that leaves the UK outside the firing line in Trump’s economic battles with Brussels. While UK steel exports still face some tariffs, Trump’s primary grievances lie with the EU, meaning thanks to Brexit Britain should avoid being caught in the crossfire of the US-EU trade war.
Starmer Ready to Send British Troops to Ukraine
Speaking to reporters en route to Washington, Starmer confirmed that Britain is prepared to send troops to keep the peace in Ukraine if Trump secures a ceasefire. However, he warned that such a mission would be “impossible” unless the US provides a military backstop to support British and European forces.
“The reason I say the backstop is so important is that the security guarantee has to be sufficient to deter Putin from coming again,” he said.
“My concern is if there is a ceasefire without a backstop, it will simply give him the opportunity to wait and to come again, because his ambition in relation to Ukraine is pretty obvious, I think, for all to see.”
Starmer added: “I’m absolutely convinced that we need a lasting peace, not a ceasefire, and for that to happen we need security guarantees.”
The Prime Minister’s visit comes amid a wider European diplomatic push to keep Trump committed to transatlantic security. French President Emmanuel Macron visited Washington on Monday, while Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is due to arrive tomorrow to push for security guarantees in exchange for access to Ukraine’s rare minerals.
All three leaders will meet again at an emergency summit in London on Sunday to discuss European security.
Ukraine’s Future Hangs in the Balance
Zelensky has cautiously welcomed the mineral wealth deal as part of a broader security arrangement but warned that he needs clarity on the United States’ long-term commitment.
“I want to understand the broader vision. What awaits Ukraine?” he said ahead of his visit.
Starmer, meanwhile, is walking a diplomatic tightrope, attempting to persuade a volatile US President while avoiding any public clash that could jeopardise Anglo-American relations.
Trump’s dismissive stance on NATO, Ukraine, and European security has already alarmed senior UK ministers. His claim that Zelensky is a “dictator” and his reluctance to commit to long-term security agreements have sparked fresh concerns about America’s role in Europe.
Yesterday, Starmer made a pointed remark by referring to Zelensky as Ukraine’s “democratically elected” leader, a subtle rebuke to Trump’s rhetoric.
Britain’s Role in the Changing Global Order
Downing Street has confirmed that Starmer will insist on Ukraine’s inclusion in any future peace talks, but sources acknowledge that he is keen to avoid an outright confrontation with Trump, who continues to reshape global geopolitics following his return to the White House.
At a reception in Washington last night, Lord Mandelson, Britain’s new ambassador to the US, praised Trump as a “very consequential president”, calling this a “very significant moment for our lives, between our two countries, and indeed for all the freedom-loving democracies in the world.”
Meanwhile, Foreign Secretary David Lammy has admitted there will be “no deal” on handing over the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, or leasing back Diego Garcia as a US military base, unless Trump personally signs off on the agreement.
A Pivotal Moment for Starmer
For Keir Starmer, today’s White House summit could be a defining diplomatic test of his premiership.
Britain remains outside the US-EU trade war, but its strategic influence over NATO and Ukraine remains uncertain. With Europe scrambling to shore up security in the face of Russian aggression, the Prime Minister must balance Britain’s global commitments while maintaining the delicate special relationship with Washington.
Boris Johnson’s quiet role in advising Trump and securing key agreements could prove pivotal to Britain’s success in this new era of global power shifts.
How Starmer navigates today’s meeting could shape Britain’s foreign policy for years to come—and will be closely watched in London, Brussels, Kyiv, and Moscow.
