Donald Trump, Volodymyr Zelensky, Keir Starmer and Emmanuel Macron (Image: DX)
Shortly before Christmas in 1984, Margaret Thatcher famously declared her liking of Mikhail Gorbachev, insisting “we can do business together". Just three months after their historic London meeting, “the great reformer” became leader of the Soviet Union.
Together with the US's then-president Ronald Reagan, the three plotted the ending of the Cold War. By the end of the decade, the Berlin Wall and the Iron Curtain had fallen, Europe was being dramatically reshaped as the USSR dissolved and modern Ukraine emerged from the geopolitical maelstrom. Roll forward 40 years from that historic meeting and Sir Keir Starmer finds himself in a strangely similar, albeit far more complex, position.
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Sponsored
Promoted Links Promoted Links
A Pair of Reading Glasses That Can Look Far and near, Smart Zoom, Smart Color-ChangingYiffany Learn More
Undo
DON'T MISS
Powered by
UK supports sending British soldiers to Ukraine but hates Donald Trump
73 Comments
Keir Starmer's plan for peacekeeping troops in Ukraine may involve 20 countries
41 Comments
Elon Musk takes brutal swipe at Zelensky over 'fancy dinners' at peace summit
255 Comments
Ex-NATO boss reveals Putin's next target to 'massacre' after Ukraine
217 Comments
Vladimir Putin's right-hand man praises Donald Trump after Zelensky clash
17 Comments
Bombshell poll show stark divide between UK and US after Trump's 'dictator' remark
166 Comments
Elon Musk calls on US to quit NATO as tensions soar after furious Trump and Zelensky row
354 Comments
Keir Starmer sparks diplomatic row after failing to invite 3 counties to Ukraine summit
299 Comments
Europe issued terrifying warning it needs 1,000 more nuclear weapons to deter Putin
72 Comments
Keir Starmer hails 'remarkable breakthrough' as Trump says Ukraine peace deal 'in days'
59 Comments
Donald Trump ex-aide Steve Bannon brands Zelensky 'untrustworthy crook and punk'
22 Comments
Keir Starmer's Churchill act is nauseating - he's more like Captain Mainwaring
391 Comments
Donald Trump urges China to 'get rid' of nuclear weapons after Beijing's 'any war' warning
14 Comments
Inside Keir Starmer's frantic 48 hours to save Ukraine peace deal
26 Comments
The Secret Revealed: Why All Humming birds Go to My Neighbor's GardenSherem Learn More
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Links Sponsored Links
Promoted Links Promoted Links
King Charles shakes hands with Zelensky at major Sandringham meeting
118 Comments
Donald Trump is making one thing clear to the world about his America
56 Comments
The Secret Revealed: Why All Humming birds Go to My Neighbor's GardenSherem Learn More
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Links Sponsored Links
Promoted Links Promoted Links
US demands to know what Ukraine is willing to concede for peace as major decision looms
35 Comments
Keir Starmer ramps up efforts to secure Ukraine deal after Donald Trump fury
185 Comments
The Secret Revealed: Why All Humming birds Go to My Neighbor's GardenSherem Learn More
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Links Sponsored Links
Promoted Links Promoted Links
Ukraine proposes ceasefire deal with Russia amid showdown talks with US in Saudi Arabia
284 Comments
Keir Starmer holds Ukraine crisis press conference this PM as world leaders in London
599 Comments
The Secret Revealed: Why All Humming birds Go to My Neighbor's GardenSherem Learn More
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Links Sponsored Links
Promoted Links Promoted Links
UK supports sending British soldiers to Ukraine but hates Donald Trump
73 Comments
Keir Starmer's plan for peacekeeping troops in Ukraine may involve 20 countries
41 Comments
The Secret Revealed: Why All Humming birds Go to My Neighbor's GardenSherem Learn More
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Links Sponsored Links
Promoted Links Promoted Links
Elon Musk takes brutal swipe at Zelensky over 'fancy dinners' at peace summit
255 Comments
Ex-NATO boss reveals Putin's next target to 'massacre' after Ukraine
217 Comments
The Secret Revealed: Why All Humming birds Go to My Neighbor's GardenSherem Learn More
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Links Sponsored Links
Promoted Links Promoted Links
Vladimir Putin's right-hand man praises Donald Trump after Zelensky clash
17 Comments
Bombshell poll show stark divide between UK and US after Trump's 'dictator' remark
166 Comments
The Secret Revealed: Why All Humming birds Go to My Neighbor's GardenSherem Learn More
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Links Sponsored Links
Promoted Links Promoted Links
Elon Musk calls on US to quit NATO as tensions soar after furious Trump and Zelensky row
354 Comments
Keir Starmer sparks diplomatic row after failing to invite 3 counties to Ukraine summit
299 Comments
The Secret Revealed: Why All Humming birds Go to My Neighbor's GardenSherem Learn More
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Links Sponsored Links
Promoted Links Promoted Links
Europe issued terrifying warning it needs 1,000 more nuclear weapons to deter Putin
72 Comments
Keir Starmer hails 'remarkable breakthrough' as Trump says Ukraine peace deal 'in days'
59 Comments
The Secret Revealed: Why All Humming birds Go to My Neighbor's GardenSherem Learn More
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Links Sponsored Links
Promoted Links Promoted Links
Donald Trump ex-aide Steve Bannon brands Zelensky 'untrustworthy crook and punk'
22 Comments
Keir Starmer's Churchill act is nauseating - he's more like Captain Mainwaring
391 Comments
The Secret Revealed: Why All Humming birds Go to My Neighbor's GardenSherem Learn More
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Links Sponsored Links
Promoted Links Promoted Links
Donald Trump urges China to 'get rid' of nuclear weapons after Beijing's 'any war' warning
14 Comments
Inside Keir Starmer's frantic 48 hours to save Ukraine peace deal
26 Comments
King Charles shakes hands with Zelensky at major Sandringham meeting
118 Comments
Donald Trump is making one thing clear to the world about his America
56 Comments
US demands to know what Ukraine is willing to concede for peace as major decision looms
35 Comments
Keir Starmer ramps up efforts to secure Ukraine deal after Donald Trump fury
185 Comments
Ukraine proposes ceasefire deal with Russia amid showdown talks with US in Saudi Arabia
284 Comments
Keir Starmer holds Ukraine crisis press conference this PM as world leaders in London
599 Comments
UK supports sending British soldiers to Ukraine but hates Donald Trump
73 Comments
Keir Starmer's plan for peacekeeping troops in Ukraine may involve 20 countries
41 Comments
Elon Musk takes brutal swipe at Zelensky over 'fancy dinners' at peace summit
255 Comments
Ex-NATO boss reveals Putin's next target to 'massacre' after Ukraine
217 Comments
Vladimir Putin's right-hand man praises Donald Trump after Zelensky clash
17 Comments
Bombshell poll show stark divide between UK and US after Trump's 'dictator' remark
166 Comments
Elon Musk calls on US to quit NATO as tensions soar after furious Trump and Zelensky row
354 Comments
Mikhail Gorbachev was someone Margaret Thatcher could 'do business with' (Image: Getty)
Don't miss... JD Vance branded a 'clown' for slur on Britain's 636 war dead [LATEST]
Ronald Reagan and Margaret Thatcher helped bring about an end to the Cold War (Image: Getty)
Like the Iron Lady, the current Prime Minister is having to do “business” with a president to bring about global peace.
But rather than the Russian leader, it’s the supposed leader of the Free World who Sir Keir is negotiating with.
Sponsored
Apex LabsProtein Isn't Enough - Here's What Really Builds Muscle After 60
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Donald Trump’s “shock and awe” start to his presidency, coupled with his allegiance with Vladimir Putin, ripped up the rule book and left the world order, in place since 1945, teetering on the brink.
As well as trying to broker peace in Ukraine, the PM, along with French president Emmanuel Macron, is having to act as a transatlantic bridge to shore up America’s long-term commitment to European security.
The future of NATO as we know it is in jeopardy and we now have the previously unthinkable situation of America siding with Russia and North Korea at the United Nations vote on ending the Ukrainian conflict.
The saloon bar diplomacy of last week’s infamous White House bust-up between Mr Trump, his vice-president JD Vance and Volodymyr Zelensky was indicative of how the tectonic plates are shifting.
So how did we reach this point and what happens next?
Following his stunning US election comeback victory, few would have been surprised that Mr Trump was intent on shaking things up during his second crack at the presidency.
The Republican strongman eventually rumbled into 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, Washington DC, during a January deep freeze, immediately signing a blizzard of executive orders that signalled he meant business.
But it was his unexpected call with Putin on February 12 which really sent shockwaves around the world as he offered the Kremlin tyrant a way back in from the cold.
Putin’s decision to launch a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022 had turned him into a pariah, with the UN overwhelmingly adopting a resolution condemning Russia for its “unlawful use of force against Ukraine."
Russia was hit by thousands of international sanctions.
The following year, the International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant for the Kremlin leader.
Don't miss...
Keir Starmer’s plan for peacekeeping troops in Ukraine may involve 20 countries [LATEST]
Keir Starmer charmed Donald Trump in White House love-in [LATEST]
Keir Starmer revels in his new bromance with Donald Trump [LATEST]
SUBSCRIBE Invalid email
We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
Trending
Sir Keir Starmer visited Donald Trump in the White House (Image: Getty)
As for the president of the United States – then Joe Biden – he left no doubt of what he thought of his Russian counterpart, condemning Putin as a “murderous dictator” and a “pure thug”.
There were no more telephone calls between Putin and Mr Biden.
Fast forward to 2025 and “that” call.
Mr Trump said he wants to “work together, very closely” with Putin to end the war in Ukraine. He hopes they will be “visiting each other’s nations”.
Clearly, so does Putin, who invited Mr Trump to Moscow.
If that visit goes ahead, it will signify a major shift in US-Russian relations.
An American president has not visited Russia for more than a decade.
In many ways, Putin has already got what he wants – the chance to negotiate directly with the United States on Ukraine as well as the opportunity to put himself at the top table of international politics.
It remains unclear, though, how far Putin will be willing to compromise.
Russian officials claim Moscow is ready for talks but always refer back to Putin’s so-called peace proposal of June 2024.
Under that plan, Russia would get to keep all the Ukrainian territory it has seized, plus some more land still under Ukrainian control.
On top of that, Ukraine would not be allowed to join NATO and Western sanctions against Russia would be scrapped.
Central to all of this is the rollercoaster relationship between the US president and Mr Zelensky.
Donald Trump calls Zelenskyy 'disrespectful' during meeting
0 seconds of 1 minute, 22 seconds Volume 0%
Press shift question mark to access a list of keyboard shortcuts Keyboard Shortcuts EnabledDisabled
Shortcuts Open/Close / or ?
Play/Pause SPACE
Increase Volume ↑
Decrease Volume ↓
Seek Forward →
Seek Backward ←
Captions On/Off c
Fullscreen/Exit Fullscreen f
Mute/Unmute m
Decrease Caption Size -
Increase Caption Size + or =
Seek % 0-9
Next Up
Donald Trump 'staged' ambush on Zelensky says Carlson
01:08
x facebook Email Link https://cdn.jwplayer.com/previews/aw1v5Ww5 Copied
Auto540p 1080p 720p 540p 360p 270p 180p
Live
00:40
00:41
01:22
More Videos
01:08
Donald Trump 'staged' ambush on Zelensky says Carlson
00:35
Ruth Langsford nearly left Eamonn Holmes
00:37
Wheel Of Fortune: Pat Sajak hands the reigns to Ryan Seacrest
00:39
Britain's Got Talent crew step in to help Simon Cowell
01:25
Nigel Farage discusses Rupert Lowe investigation
01:40
Keir Starmer's visit to Washington previewed by Martyn Brown
Close
Related articles Vladimir Putin and North Korean generals targeted in new sanctions blitz 'Keir Starmer must play his Brexit ace card in showdown with Donald Trump' Keir Starmer insists he and Donald Trump are united over Ukraine peace deal Keir Starmer breaks silence after call with Donald Trump and Zelensky I was in the room when Starmer met Trump - here's what it was really like
Volodymyr Zelensky and Donald Trump during the infamous Oval Office bust-up (Image: Getty)
The Ukrainian leader lavished praise on Mr Trump in the aftermath of his election victory.
But relations soured after the Putin call, with Mr Zelensky saying Mr Trump is living in a "disinformation space" fuelled by Russia.
Mr Trump fired back, branding the Ukrainian war hero a “dictator”.
Cue Mr Macron and Sir Keir, who launched an extraordinary charm offensive on the notoriously unpredictable commander-in-chief.
The Prime Minister, in particular, appeared to have won over Mr Trump, with a personal invitation from King Charles for an unprecedented second state visit to the UK kick-starting an unlikely bromance between the two leaders.
No 10 was relieved and quietly confident in equal measure following the Prime Minister’s visit to the White House.
But this was blown out of the water less than 24 hours later, when Mr Trump and Mr Vance had an astonishing Oval Office slanging match with Mr Zelensky – saying he risked inciting World War 3 if he didn't sign a peace deal.
On his way back home, the Ukrainian leader stopped in London as Sir Keir convened European leaders for an emergency summit on the crisis.
With tensions sky-high, the PM put on a very public show of unity with r Zelensky, insisting Britain would always have his back.
But the fallout from the White House bust-up spilled into this week, with Mr Trump pausing military aid and intelligence to Ukraine and threatening to kick out 240,000 Ukrainian refugees from the US. He is reportedly planning to revoke their legal status.
On Tuesday, Mr Zelensky offered an olive branch to the US president.
In a conciliatory message, the Ukrainian leader said he “really valued” the US's support and was “ready to work under President Trump's strong leadership to get a peace that lasts”.
It came shortly after a phone call with Sir Keir in which the Prime Minister warned him he had to rebuild relations with the US to save his country.
Mr Zelensky, who is said to be poised to sign a minerals deal with the US, described the Oval Office row as “regrettable”.
The relentlessness and pace of change in Washington has been dizzying.
Europe is scrambling to react effectively.
There has been a frenzy of diplomatic activity: bilateral, late-night leader phone calls, European huddles in London and in Paris, meetings of NATO defence ministers in Brussels. An emergency security summit of EU leaders was held on Thursday.
It is a huge moment in European history.
Most European countries believe the security of all of Europe, not only the sovereignty of Ukraine, is at stake – with Russia looking to dismantle the Western-facing balance of power, in place since the end of the Cold War.
Washington, which has had Europe’s back in terms of security and defence since World War 2, now appears “not to care about the fate of Europe”, according to the man poised to be the next leader of the continent’s biggest economy, Friedrich Merz of Germany.
As the week draws to a close, and the likelihood of peace talks between Mr Zelensky and the US in Saudi Arabia next week, Sir Keir continues to drum up support for a four-point plan to end the war and defend the country from Russia.
Part of this could mean 20 countries supporting a “coalition of the willing” to keep peace in Ukraine.
Vladimir Putin has invited Donald Trump to Moscow (Image: Getty)
Ultimately, Mr Trump is a businessman and he wants a good deal for his own country.
That’s why he wants access to Ukrainian minerals, to get some of the US war money back.
And that’s why he wants NATO countries to beef up their defence budgets, like the UK has done.
The US has filled the yawning gaps in European defence, left by years of chronic under-investment after the end of the Cold War.
The number of troops in Europe diminished with the end of conscription in most European countries.
The US has roughly 100,000 troops and nuclear weapons in various parts of Europe under NATO's nuclear sharing policy.
Many of them are in non-nuclear, major European power Germany, which fears being severely exposed to Russia should Mr Trump withdraw support.
If the UK and France manage to assemble the “coalition of the willing” – European countries that accept to send even a modest number of peacekeeping troops into Ukraine once a ceasefire is agreed – that could stretch European armies and expose gaps in NATO defences.
It’s not just NATO and the UN that could be changed forever but also geographical maps.
Mr Trump maintains he wants Greenland and the border of Ukraine will inevitably look different.
Then there are his threats of slapping tariffs on the EU, China, Canada and Mexico, heralding the prospect of an ugly and damaging trade war.
Britain is in a relatively strong position in all of this thanks to Brexit and the enduring “special relationship” we have with the US.
But as former Trump whisperer Karen Pierce noted this week, there is no “standard definition” of the special relationship and the US is not “sentimental” about it.
The UK’s former ambassador to the US said: “I think it is in America’s interests. They’re not sentimental about it. I think we fool ourselves if we think they are sentimental.”
Security and defence are the “bedrock” of the relationship, she said.
DON'T MISS
Powered by
UK supports sending British soldiers to Ukraine but hates Donald Trump
73 Comments
Keir Starmer's plan for peacekeeping troops in Ukraine may involve 20 countries
41 Comments
Elon Musk takes brutal swipe at Zelensky over 'fancy dinners' at peace summit
255 Comments
Ex-NATO boss reveals Putin's next target to 'massacre' after Ukraine
217 Comments
Vladimir Putin's right-hand man praises Donald Trump after Zelensky clash
17 Comments
Bombshell poll show stark divide between UK and US after Trump's 'dictator' remark
166 Comments
Elon Musk calls on US to quit NATO as tensions soar after furious Trump and Zelensky row
354 Comments
Keir Starmer sparks diplomatic row after failing to invite 3 counties to Ukraine summit
299 Comments
Europe issued terrifying warning it needs 1,000 more nuclear weapons to deter Putin
72 Comments
Keir Starmer hails 'remarkable breakthrough' as Trump says Ukraine peace deal 'in days'
59 Comments
Donald Trump ex-aide Steve Bannon brands Zelensky 'untrustworthy crook and punk'
22 Comments
Keir Starmer's Churchill act is nauseating - he's more like Captain Mainwaring
391 Comments
Donald Trump urges China to 'get rid' of nuclear weapons after Beijing's 'any war' warning
14 Comments
Inside Keir Starmer's frantic 48 hours to save Ukraine peace deal
26 Comments
Gynecologists Recommend This Anti-sa gging Bra for Elderly WomenDollylace Read More
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Links Sponsored Links
Promoted Links Promoted Links
King Charles shakes hands with Zelensky at major Sandringham meeting
118 Comments
Donald Trump is making one thing clear to the world about his America
56 Comments
Three Las Vegas Banks Are Paying Record High Interest Rates - See the...SavingsPro
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Links Sponsored Links
Promoted Links Promoted Links
US demands to know what Ukraine is willing to concede for peace as major decision looms
35 Comments
Keir Starmer ramps up efforts to secure Ukraine deal after Donald Trump fury
185 Comments
The Secret Revealed: Why All Hummingbir ds Go to My Neighbor's GardenSherem Learn More
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Links Sponsored Links
Promoted Links Promoted Links
Ukraine proposes ceasefire deal with Russia amid showdown talks with US in Saudi Arabia
284 Comments
Keir Starmer holds Ukraine crisis press conference this PM as world leaders in London
599 Comments
Enter Any Name & Wait 12 Seconds (This Is Addicting)CheckPeople Learn More
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Links Sponsored Links
Promoted Links Promoted Links
UK supports sending British soldiers to Ukraine but hates Donald Trump
73 Comments
Keir Starmer's plan for peacekeeping troops in Ukraine may involve 20 countries
41 Comments
2025's Most Realistic Bunny ToySherum Learn More
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Links Sponsored Links
Promoted Links Promoted Links
Elon Musk takes brutal swipe at Zelensky over 'fancy dinners' at peace summit
255 Comments
Ex-NATO boss reveals Putin's next target to 'massacre' after Ukraine
217 Comments
Gynecologists Recommend This Anti-saggi ng Bra for Elderly WomenDollylace Read More
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Links Sponsored Links
Promoted Links Promoted Links
Vladimir Putin's right-hand man praises Donald Trump after Zelensky clash
17 Comments
Bombshell poll show stark divide between UK and US after Trump's 'dictator' remark
166 Comments
A Pair of Reading Glasses That Can Look Far and near, Smart Zoom, Smart Color-C hangingYiffany Learn More
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Links Sponsored Links
Promoted Links Promoted Links
Elon Musk calls on US to quit NATO as tensions soar after furious Trump and Zelensky row
354 Comments
Keir Starmer sparks diplomatic row after failing to invite 3 counties to Ukraine summit
299 Comments
Eagle Whiskey Bottle: A Collector’s DreamGrishay Read More
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Links Sponsored Links
Promoted Links Promoted Links
Europe issued terrifying warning it needs 1,000 more nuclear weapons to deter Putin
72 Comments
Keir Starmer hails 'remarkable breakthrough' as Trump says Ukraine peace deal 'in days'
59 Comments
Protein Isn't Enough - Here's What Really Builds Muscle After 60Apex Labs
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Links Sponsored Links
Promoted Links Promoted Links
Donald Trump ex-aide Steve Bannon brands Zelensky 'untrustworthy crook and punk'
22 Comments
Keir Starmer's Churchill act is nauseating - he's more like Captain Mainwaring
391 Comments
2025's Most Realistic Bunny ToySherum Learn More
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Links Sponsored Links
Promoted Links Promoted Links
Donald Trump urges China to 'get rid' of nuclear weapons after Beijing's 'any war' warning
14 Comments
Inside Keir Starmer's frantic 48 hours to save Ukraine peace deal
26 Comments
King Charles shakes hands with Zelensky at major Sandringham meeting
118 Comments
Donald Trump is making one thing clear to the world about his America
56 Comments
US demands to know what Ukraine is willing to concede for peace as major decision looms
35 Comments
Keir Starmer ramps up efforts to secure Ukraine deal after Donald Trump fury
185 Comments
Ukraine proposes ceasefire deal with Russia amid showdown talks with US in Saudi Arabia
284 Comments
Keir Starmer holds Ukraine crisis press conference this PM as world leaders in London
599 Comments
UK supports sending British soldiers to Ukraine but hates Donald Trump
73 Comments
Keir Starmer's plan for peacekeeping troops in Ukraine may involve 20 countries
41 Comments
Elon Musk takes brutal swipe at Zelensky over 'fancy dinners' at peace summit
255 Comments
Ex-NATO boss reveals Putin's next target to 'massacre' after Ukraine
217 Comments
Vladimir Putin's right-hand man praises Donald Trump after Zelensky clash
17 Comments
Bombshell poll show stark divide between UK and US after Trump's 'dictator' remark
166 Comments
Elon Musk calls on US to quit NATO as tensions soar after furious Trump and Zelensky row
354 Comments
The Secret Revealed: Why All Hummingbirds G...Sherem
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Links Sponsored Links
Promoted Links Promoted Links
Enter Any Name & Wait 12 Seconds (This Is Add...CheckPeople
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Links Sponsored Links
Promoted Links Promoted Links
Eagle Whiskey Bottle: A Collector’s DreamGrishay
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Links Sponsored Links
Promoted Links Promoted Links
Three Las Vegas Banks Are Paying Record High...SavingsPro
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Links Sponsored Links
Promoted Links Promoted Links
And here lies the nub of all this, “America’s interests”.
But as another diplomatic source told me, Sir Keir, Mr Macron and Mr Trump – a 21st century version of the Thatcher, Reagan and Gorbachev Love Troika – need to ensure that the outcome puts “global interests first”.