UK (Parliament Politics Magazine) – British PM Sir Keir Starmer interrupted his Scotland holiday for Ukraine talks in Washington, returning to continue discussions with international allies.
As reported by The Independent, Keir Starmer returned to Scotland after pausing his family holiday to attend crucial Ukraine talks with US President Donald Trump.
How was Keir Starmer’s holiday interrupted by Ukraine talks?
Following White House talks, Keir Starmer flew overnight from Washington, DC, landing in Glasgow Tuesday morning. He took off from the same airport the previous day on a short trip to the US.
After returning to Scotland, Mr Starmer will co-lead a “coalition of the willing” call with France’s Emmanuel Macron to support Ukraine.
For the second consecutive summer, the Prime Minister’s holiday plans were interrupted. In 2024, he cancelled a European trip amid UK riots and rising Middle East tensions.
Last Christmas, the Prime Minister postponed his trip after his 60-year-old brother died following a battle with cancer.
A minister described holiday disruptions as an “occupational hazard” for prime ministers.
What did Torsten Bell say about Starmer’s role in Ukraine talks?
Pensions minister Torsten Bell said Keir Starmer has played a significant role in Ukraine negotiations.
He stated,
“It is an occupational hazard for prime ministers that holidays are interrupted. You’ll have been covering that for years. I’ve been around British politics enough to have seen that happen, unfortunately, year after year.”
Mr Bell added,
“I want the Prime Minister to have a rest […] all we want to do is make sure that we’re addressing these big issues, and that in this summer means making sure we get those security guarantees in Ukraine.”
European leaders attended the Ukraine talks at the White House
Following, European leaders invited by Donald Trump to the White House on August 18, 2025, for Ukraine talks:
- Emmanuel Macron (President of France)
- Keir Starmer (Prime Minister of the United Kingdom)
- Friedrich Merz (Chancellor of Germany)
- Giorgia Meloni (Prime Minister of Italy)
- Ursula von der Leyen (President of the European Commission)
- Mark Rutte (NATO Secretary General, former Dutch Prime Minister)
- Alexander Stubb (President of Finland)
What did Sir Keir Starmer say about the Ukraine talks with Trump?
The Prime Minister said the discussions were productive, emphasising strong unity between European leaders, Trump, and Ukrainian President Zelensky.
He said Trump’s plan for bilateral talks signalled recognition that Ukraine must be involved in negotiations.
Mr Starmer stated,
“That is a recognition of the principle that on some of these issues, whether it’s territory or the exchange of prisoners, or the very serious issue of the return of children, that is something where Ukraine must be at the table.”
He welcomed “Article Five-style guarantees” in Monday’s talks, saying they align with his “coalition of the willing” efforts.
The Labour leader told President Trump.
“With you coming alongside, the US alongside, what we’ve already developed, I think we could take a really important step forward today – a historic step, actually, could come out of this meeting in terms of security for Ukraine and security in Europe.”
Keir Starmer’s views on the Zelensky-Putin meeting
Sir Keir Starmer confirmed talks between Mr Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
He said,
“There will now be a bilateral meeting between President Putin and President Zelensky…followed by a trilateral meeting with President Trump.”
Mr Starmer added,
“That is very important because it’s a real recognition of the principle that no decisions about Ukraine should be taken without Ukraine.”
What did Donald Trump say about Ukraine talks and peace plans?
Mr Trump described the negotiations as “very good,” adding,
“During the meeting we discussed security guarantees for Ukraine, which guarantees would be provided by the various European countries, with coordination with the United States of America.”
He said,
“Everyone is happy about the possibility of PEACE for Russia/Ukraine. At the conclusion of the meetings, I called President Putin and began arrangements for a meeting, at a location to be determined, between President Putin and President Zelensky.”
Mr Trump added,
“After the meeting takes place, we will have a trilat which would be the two presidents plus myself.”
Key facts about the Ukraine-Russia war
Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022, escalating the conflict that began with Crimea’s annexation in 2014. By mid-2025, it controls around 20% of Ukraine, including Crimea, Luhansk, Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson.
The conflict has caused up to 1 million Russian casualties, including 250,000 deaths, while civilian losses hit record highs in July 2025.