US President Donald Trump on Thursday accused Russian leader Vladimir Putin of betraying his trust over the ongoing Ukraine war, as he wrapped up a three-day state visit to the United Kingdom with wide-ranging talks at Chequers.
Speaking alongside British Prime Minister Keir Starmer after bilateral discussions, Trump said he had expected the conflict in Ukraine to be the “easiest” to resolve due to his personal relationship with Putin.
“But he’s let me down. He’s really let me down,” Trump told reporters. He urged European nations to stop buying Russian oil, arguing that a fall in prices would weaken Moscow’s ability to continue the war.
Starmer, who has sought to act as a bridge between Trump and European allies, pressed for stronger international pressure on Russia while highlighting Britain’s role in rallying support for Kyiv.
The pair also discussed Gaza, trade, technology and migration. While praising the £150 billion ($205 billion) US investment deal in artificial intelligence, quantum computing and nuclear energy signed earlier in the day, Trump admitted to “one of our few disagreements” with Starmer over Britain’s plan to recognise a Palestinian state.
On migration, Trump said he told the prime minister he would “stop it,” even if it required military deployment.
Earlier, Trump had lauded America’s “unbreakable bond” with the UK and called King Charles III a “great gentleman and a great king” after a farewell meeting at Windsor Castle.
Starmer, facing domestic turbulence over the sacking of his Washington envoy Peter Mandelson, described Trump as a leader he “genuinely likes.”
Despite protests in London against Trump’s visit, both governments hailed the outcomes as evidence of strengthened ties and alignment on key global challenges.
