The UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer reportedly coached Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky on how to navigate his upcoming meetings with US President Donald Trump. The guidance, according to NBC News, focuses on tactical advice to avoid another confrontation at the White House during his current visit to Washington. Zelensky’s previous visit in February ended in a heated exchange with Trump and US Vice President J.D. Vance, who accused the Ukrainian leader of being ungrateful for American support in the conflict with Russia.
Starmer’s involvement highlights the coordinated effort among European officials to manage Ukraine’s interactions with Trump. According to The Telegraph, UK ministers and officials have been advising Zelensky on how to ‘speak Trump’ and flatter the American president. The Ukrainian leader was reportedly advised to thank Trump for military aid and diplomatic support and to wear a suit jacket instead of his usual military-style attire. This approach is seen as a strategic move to de-escalate tensions and strengthen diplomatic ties during the negotiations with Trump and other key European backers.
The recent tensions between Trump and Zelensky have a history of clashes, including Trump’s refusal to blame Russia for the Ukraine conflict and an incident in which he labeled Zelensky ‘a dictator’ for postponing elections under martial law. The current visit is part of broader diplomatic efforts to secure continued American support for Ukraine’s defense against Russian aggression. Starmer’s role in this coordination underscores the importance of soft diplomacy in maintaining international alliances and managing high-stakes political interactions.