Starmer says there can be no peace that rewards the aggressor

Starmer stated this at a joint press conference with U.S. President Donald Trump in Washington on Thursday, according to an Ukrinform correspondent.

“We have to win the peace, and that’s what we must do now, because it can’t be peace that rewards the aggressor or that gives encouragement to regimes like Iran,” Starmer said, making it clear that any peace agreement on the aggressor’s terms would be unacceptable.

He noted that in a few weeks, the U.S. and the UK would mark the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe.

“Britain and America fought side-by-side to make that happen — one of the greatest in our history,” Starmer said. “We stand side-by-side still today. And we’re focused now on bringing an enduring end to the barbaric war in Ukraine.”

Starmer welcomed Trump’s “deep, personal commitment to bring peace and stop the killing.”

Addressing Trump, he said, “You have created a moment of tremendous opportunity to reach a historic peace deal — a deal that would be celebrated in Ukraine and around the world. That is the prize. But we have to get it right.”

According to Starmer, “History must be on the side of the peacemaker, not the invader. So the stakes, they could not be higher. And we’re determined to work together to deliver a good deal.”

Starmer said that he had discussed with Trump a plan for a “tough and fair” peace, “backed by strength — to stop Putin coming back for more.” He also highlighted close collaboration with European leaders on the issue.

The UK, Starmer said, is ready to “put boots on the ground and planes in the air to support a deal, working together with our allies, because that is the only way that peace that will last.”

He added that Britain will provide Ukraine with more military aid this year than ever and is taking on an even greater share of the responsibility for security.

“We hope there is a deal in Ukraine, that that is a lasting deal,” Starmer said. “We are obviously working with other European countries on that — France and NATO in particular. I think I’m hosting 18 countries on Sunday to further our discussions.”

When asked whether Putin could be trusted, Starmer responded that his views on the Russian leader were pretty well-known. He stressed that this must be a lasting deal, not a temporary one.

“It’s important that Putin knows […] that we are able to deal with any inclination he has to go again or go further,” Starmer said.

Starmer visited Washington on Thursday to meet with Trump and discuss European security and ending Russia’s war against Ukraine.

Photo: Claudia Greco/Pool