UK’s Starmer Stands Firm on Ukraine’s NATO Membership Amid Trump’s Opposition

Keir Starmer: image/EPA

London, UK – British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to Ukraine’s “irreversible path” to NATO membership, despite U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration downplaying the possibility of Ukraine joining the military alliance.

Speaking ahead of the Munich Security Conference, Starmer held a phone call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, assuring him of Britain’s unwavering support.

His stance contrasts sharply with that of U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who stated that Ukraine’s NATO bid is not a “realistic outcome” of any potential peace settlement with Russia.

UK Backs NATO Pledge Despite U.S. Shift

According to BBC News, Starmer’s position aligns with agreements made at last year’s NATO summit in Washington, where all member nations, including the UK, supported Ukraine’s long-term NATO aspirations.

During an interview with ITV News, Starmer emphasized:

“Nobody was expecting NATO membership to be immediate. It was a pathway over time. But what matters most is that we stand by Ukraine.”

This reassurance comes amid Trump’s recent call with Russian President Vladimir Putin, where the U.S. leader suggested opening direct negotiations to end the war.

Reports indicate that Trump is considering a high-profile summit in Saudi Arabia to broker a peace deal between Ukraine and Russia.

Hegseth has hinted at territorial compromises, suggesting that Russia may retain control of Crimea, a notion strongly rejected by Ukrainian officials.

Strong Response from Ukraine & International Allies

In a statement shared on social media platform X, Zelensky dismissed any suggestion of conceding Ukrainian territory, warning that Putin is not preparing for peace but for prolonged aggression.

He urged Western allies to maintain unified pressure on Moscow and hold Russia accountable for its actions.

Meanwhile, UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy met with U.S. Vice President JD Vance in Munich to discuss the conflict. Following the meeting, Lammy expressed optimism about continued U.S.-UK cooperation, stating:

“We share the view that there has to be an enduring peace, and that Zelensky and the Ukrainians must be part of any negotiated deal.”

According to Reuters, Lammy acknowledged that while Trump is initiating diplomatic talks, “we are still some way from a negotiated peace.”

The UK’s Diplomatic Balancing Act

The UK finds itself in a delicate position—strongly supporting Ukraine while maintaining diplomatic ties with the Trump administration, which is signaling a potential shift in U.S. foreign policy.

Former UK Foreign Secretary Sir Malcolm Rifkind warned of historical parallels, drawing comparisons to the infamous Munich Agreement of 1938, where British and French leaders allowed Nazi Germany to seize Czechoslovakia without its consent.

Rifkind urged Starmer and Lammy to stand firm against any deal that excludes Ukraine from negotiations, stating:

“The Ukrainians must be part of the negotiating team, not just consulted. Otherwise, it will be like Munich—decisions made without the people most affected.”

As global leaders gather in Munich, the world will be watching whether NATO allies can maintain a united front or whether Trump’s realignment strategy will shift the balance of power in Eastern Europe.

Conclusion

The UK remains steadfast in its commitment to Ukraine’s NATO membership, despite pressure from the Trump administration to reconsider. As diplomatic talks intensify, the outcome could have significant implications for the future of European security, the war in Ukraine, and NATO’s role in global politics.

For now, Britain’s message is clear: Ukraine’s path to NATO remains open, and any resolution must involve Ukraine as a key decision-maker.

Experts believe that Starmer’s firm stance on Ukraine’s NATO bid could strengthen European solidarity, particularly as the EU increases military aid to Kyiv. Meanwhile, analysts warn that Trump’s negotiation strategy with Putin could signal a policy shift, potentially reshaping Western alliances and future diplomatic relations in Eastern Europe.