Trump criticizes Putin during UK visit, meets PM Starmer at Chequers

US president warns Putin has “let me down” over Ukraine war

On the final day of his high-profile state visit to the United Kingdom, U.S. President Donald Trump issued a rare public rebuke of Russian President Vladimir Putin, stating that the Russian leader had “really let me down” over the ongoing war in Ukraine. Trump made the remark during a joint press conference with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer following wide-ranging talks at the prime minister’s official countryside residence, Chequers.

“I thought the Ukraine conflict would be the easiest to end because of my relationship with President Putin,” Trump said. “But he’s let me down. He’s really let me down.”

The meeting, seen as a diplomatic milestone in Starmer’s early days as Prime Minister, came a day after Trump was treated to a lavish display of royal pageantry by King Charles III at Windsor Castle. The U.S. president’s remarks suggest a shifting tone toward Moscow amid growing international pressure to resolve the conflict in Eastern Europe.

Starmer walks diplomatic tightrope, presses for unity on Ukraine

Prime Minister Starmer has positioned himself as a key intermediary between Trump and European allies, seeking to secure stronger U.S. backing for Ukraine. He reiterated his call for coordinated international action against Russia and encouraged Trump to increase pressure on Moscow, including through economic means.

Trump, for his part, urged European nations to halt oil imports from Russia. “If the price of oil comes down, Putin’s going to drop out of that war,” he said, emphasizing the role of economic leverage in ending the conflict.

The leaders also discussed the ongoing war in Gaza, international trade, and the growing challenge of illegal migration, with Trump claiming he would “stop it,” even if it meant deploying military forces.

Trade, tech, and a £150 billion investment boost

Despite tensions on several fronts, the meeting produced significant agreements in the areas of trade and technology. Trump and Starmer jointly announced a new deal focused on artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and nuclear energy cooperation. The agreement is backed by an estimated £150 billion ($205 billion USD) in U.S. investment from tech giants including Microsoft, Google, and Blackstone.

At the signing ceremony, attended by American tech CEOs, Starmer described Trump as a leader “who genuinely likes me,” highlighting a personal rapport that could help smooth over policy disagreements.

Starmer also praised the U.S.-UK trade deal signed in May, calling it “the best” and a sign of deepening economic ties between the two countries.

Controversy over Palestine, immigration, and internal UK politics

The leaders clashed over the UK’s plan to formally recognize a Palestinian state, with Trump calling it one of their “few disagreements.” The U.S. president also spoke strongly about immigration, asserting that he advised Starmer on how to end illegal migration into Britain.

Trump’s visit comes at a turbulent time in British politics, as Starmer recently dismissed UK Ambassador to Washington Peter Mandelson over connections to the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Epstein’s shadow also continues to follow Trump, with renewed public scrutiny over their past relationship during the 1990s and early 2000s.

A state visit rich in symbolism and royal tradition

Earlier in the trip, King Charles III honored Trump with full ceremonial honors, including a state banquet at Windsor Castle — making Trump the only U.S. president to receive two UK state visits. Trump expressed gratitude, saying, “This is truly one of the highest honours of my life.”

In a speech, King Charles praised Trump’s peace efforts and support for Ukraine but also stressed the importance of addressing climate change “for our children, grandchildren, and those who come after them.”

Melania Trump, the First Lady, remained in Windsor on Thursday, where she met scouts alongside Princess Catherine and toured Queen Mary’s Doll’s House with Queen Camilla.

Mixed public response and final departure

While diplomatic and business gains marked the official side of the visit, the public reception was more divided. Approximately 5,000 demonstrators marched through central London on Wednesday to protest against Trump’s visit, criticizing his foreign policy record and domestic stances.

Trump departed for Washington later on Thursday, concluding a state visit that was both politically significant and symbolically rich — with major trade deals signed, alliances reaffirmed, and complex diplomatic relationships tested.