Featured Image Credit: TETIANA DZHAFAROVA/AFP via Getty Images
Topics: Politics, Keir Starmer, Donald Trump
Mia Williams
Topics: Politics, Keir Starmer, Donald Trump
Donald Trump shrugged off questioning about previously calling Ukraine's president Zelenskyy a 'dictator', as he responded with a bizarre statement.
The Prime Minister visited Trump in the White House on Thursday (February 27), to discuss security, US trade with the UK, and to negotiate a peace deal regarding the war in Ukraine.
But it seems the two got on well, for the most part, as Trump branded Keir Starmer a 'tough negotiator'.
He also said the PM was a 'special man', and a 'great gentleman', and was delighted to host him in Washington DC.
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Starmer presented Trump with an 'unprecedented' invitation from King Charles, for a second state visit to the UK - something that has never been done before.
Following his trip to the US, Starmer posted to X, and said: "The bond between the UK and the US couldn’t be stronger.
"When the UK and the US work together, we get things done."
The two continued to share warm words during a press conference in the Oval Office, but Trump appeared to be stumped by one question in particular.
Journalists hurled questions at the two world leaders, as one asked Trump: "Mr President, you spoke about having common ground with Keir Starmer, but there are things you disagree on as well.
"You described Zelenskyy as a dictator, he describes President Putin as a dictator, do you see that as a problem?"
Taking a long pause before attempting to answer the question, Trump said: "Did I say that? I can’t believe I said that."
"Next question," he added.
He lated said: "We have a lot of respect, I have a lot of respect for him."
Despite claiming to have no recollection of the comment, Trump branded the Ukrainian President as a 'dictator' in a speech earlier last week.
In addition to that remark, Trump also said: "He refuses to have elections. He's low in the real Ukrainian polls.
"How can you be high with every city being demolished?"
Meanwhile, President Zelenskyy is due to arrive at the White House this afternoon, to discuss - and potentially sign - a deal that would give the US access to rare Ukrainian minerals.
However, it is still not exactly clear what Ukraine would be getting in return for giving the US access to its vast natural resources.
It's Trump's third big meeting of the week, after hosting the French President Emmanuel Macron on Wednesday (26 February).