British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has rejected calls from the Scottish National Party (SNP) to cancel a second state visit for former U.S. President Donald Trump following a tense exchange between Trump and Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Trump accused Zelensky of “gambling with World War Three” during a White House meeting, drawing criticism from Scotland’s First Minister John Swinney, who questioned whether the visit should proceed without assurances of U.S. support for Ukraine.
Starmer dismissed the SNP’s objections, emphasizing the need for diplomatic engagement over rhetoric. He reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to Ukraine and announced a £1.6bn military aid package. Meanwhile, European leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, reiterated their support for Kyiv.
Trump, who traditionally would not be granted a second state visit, was offered an initial meeting in Scotland—where he owns two golf courses—to discuss logistics. The UK is also working on a four-step plan for lasting peace in Ukraine, focusing on military aid, deterrence, and Kyiv’s role in future negotiations.
While the SNP remains divided on the issue, Swinney backed Starmer’s broader strategy, highlighting the importance of maintaining alliances amid the ongoing conflict.
