US President Donald Trump has called on the international community to increase humanitarian support for Gaza whilst revealing Vladimir Putin faces intensified pressure to reach a Ukraine peace deal, during landmark talks with UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer at Trump Turnberry golf resort in Scotland.
The high-stakes meeting at the President’s luxury Ayrshire course saw both leaders address the escalating humanitarian crisis in Gaza, with Trump describing the situation as involving “a lot of starving people” whilst criticising European nations for insufficient aid contributions.
Speaking outside the golf club alongside Sir Keir and his wife Victoria, Trump confirmed the Gaza crisis was “one of the main reasons” for the summit, as international pressure mounts over the deteriorating conditions affecting Gaza’s 2.2 million residents.
Gaza Humanitarian Crisis Takes Centre Stage
The meeting comes as reports indicate 14 Palestinians died from malnutrition-related causes in Gaza within the past 24 hours, including two children, bringing the total number of child deaths from malnutrition-related causes to 88 since the conflict began in October 2023.
Trump expressed frustration with the international response to Gaza’s humanitarian emergency, revealing that the United States had provided $60 million in aid two weeks ago “and nobody acknowledged it,” whilst claiming European nations had contributed nothing.
We gave $60 million two weeks ago for food for Gaza, and nobody acknowledged it. Nobody talks about it,” Trump stated during discussions with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Sunday. “You have other countries not giving anything. None of the European countries gave – I mean, nobody gave but us.”
Sir Keir, standing beside Trump, described Gaza as “a desperate situation” and emphasised the urgent need for progress. “We’ve got to get that ceasefire,” the Prime Minister declared, outlining Britain’s commitment to addressing the humanitarian emergency.
UK Proposes Gaza Peace Framework
The British Prime Minister revealed plans to discuss a UK-led peace plan for Gaza designed to deliver immediate humanitarian relief whilst charting a path to a two-state solution. Starmer’s spokesman Dave Pares confirmed the plan aims “to turn a ceasefire into lasting peace.
The framework was previously discussed by Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on Friday, with Britain now seeking to engage allies “including the US and Arab states” in its implementation.
Starmer faces mounting domestic pressure to follow France’s lead in recognising a Palestinian state, a move both Israel and the United States have condemned. However, the Prime Minister has indicated the UK supports a two-state solution whilst stopping short of immediate recognition.
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi made a direct appeal to Trump on Monday, stating: “Please, make every effort to stop this war and deliver the aid. I believe that it’s time to end this war,” describing conditions inside Gaza as “tragic” and “intolerable.
Putin Faces Intensified Pressure Over Ukraine
Trump confirmed he is reconsidering the 50-day deadline previously given to Putin for reaching a Ukraine peace agreement, suggesting the timeline may be shortened as diplomatic pressure intensifies.
The President expressed disappointment with Putin’s response to peace overtures, stating he was “very, very unhappy” with the Russian leader’s failure to engage constructively in negotiations.
I speak to him a lot about getting this thing done, and I always hang up saying, ‘Well, that was a nice phone call,’ and then missiles are launched into Kyiv or some other city,” Trump revealed, describing his frustration with Putin’s approach.
According to Starmer’s office, the leaders addressed “diplomatic steps necessary to bring Russian President Vladimir Putin to the negotiating table within the next 50 days,” though Trump suggested this timeframe could be reduced.
UK Military Commitment to Ukraine Peace
Sir Keir reaffirmed Britain’s readiness to deploy military personnel to support any eventual Ukraine peace agreement, stating the UK was prepared to “put boots on the ground and planes in the air to support a deal” alongside European allies.
The Prime Minister emphasised that any peace settlement must be “tough and fair” and backed by strength to prevent Putin from launching future aggression. “It can’t be peace that awards the aggressor,” Starmer declared.
Trump acknowledged Britain’s military capabilities whilst suggesting they could handle such deployment independently. “The British are incredible soldiers, incredible military, and they can take care of themselves,” he noted, though adding: “But if they need help, I’ll always be with the British.”
Russia has rejected Trump’s ultimatum, with Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov stating that “any attempts to make demands, especially ultimatums, are unacceptable to us.
Trade Relations and Economic Partnership
The Turnberry meeting followed Trump’s announcement of a significant trade framework with the European Union on Sunday, which will see 15% tariffs on most EU goods imported to the US, avoiding the previously threatened 30% rates.
The leaders discussed implementation of the US-UK trade deal agreed in May, with Trump suggesting there was potential for further agreements that could eliminate the need for tariffs between the two nations.
I think there’s a very good chance that in the case of these two friendly countries, I think we can very well end up with a real trade deal where the tariffs wouldn’t be necessary,” Trump indicated.
Sir Keir has taken a notably diplomatic approach to Trump’s tariff policies, avoiding the confrontational stance adopted by some other allies whilst working to secure Britain’s economic interests.
Scottish Setting and Personal Diplomacy
The choice of Trump Turnberry for the summit underscored the President’s approach to personalised diplomacy, with the luxury Scottish resort providing an intimate setting for discussions on global crises.
Trump has previously described Turnberry as “perhaps the greatest golf course anywhere in the world” and suggested it “furthers UK relationship,” highlighting his belief in the diplomatic value of his properties.
The President’s five-day visit to Scotland combines business discussions ahead of Thursday’s White House deadline for tariff negotiations with leisure time at his golf courses, including the opening of a new course at Aberdeen named after his mother, Mary Anne Macleod.
Protesters demonstrated near Trump’s properties, though security arrangements ensured the leaders’ discussions proceeded without disruption.
International Response and Broader Implications
The Trump-Starmer meeting represents a crucial moment in transatlantic relations, with both leaders facing domestic pressures over their respective foreign policy approaches.
Sir Keir’s careful balancing act involves maintaining strong ties with Trump whilst preserving Britain’s relationships with European allies and supporting international law principles.
The Prime Minister’s visit to Scotland follows his recent meetings with European leaders and reflects Britain’s attempt to position itself as a bridge between the US and Europe on critical global issues.
French President Macron recently announced France’s intention to recognise a Palestinian state at September’s UN General Assembly, a move that has increased pressure on other European leaders to take similar steps.
Next Steps and Future Engagements
Both leaders confirmed plans for continued dialogue on the issues discussed, with regular phone conversations planned to coordinate their approaches to ongoing crises.
Trump is expected to announce major developments regarding Gaza policy “probably in the next 24 hours,” whilst planning visits to Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates next week.
The success of the Turnberry summit in advancing concrete progress on Gaza and Ukraine will likely influence future diplomatic strategies and the broader Western response to both conflicts.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent begins the next round of trade meetings with China in Stockholm on Monday, as the Trump administration continues its complex balancing act across multiple international relationships.
The meeting concluded with both leaders expressing satisfaction with the discussions, though concrete outcomes remain dependent on subsequent diplomatic efforts and the responses of other international actors.
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Image Credit:
Starmer-Trump bilateral meeting, 27 February 2025 – Photo by Simon Dawson / No 10 Downing Street, licensed under Open Government Licence v3.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
