CHEQUERS, England — U.S. President Donald Trump on Thursday accused Russian leader Vladimir Putin of betraying his trust, saying the Kremlin chief had ‘really let me down’ by prolonging the war in Ukraine, as he wrapped up his state visit to the United Kingdom with talks at Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s country retreat.
Speaking after a day of diplomacy that capped two days of royal pageantry and political spectacle, Trump said he had once expected the Ukraine war would be “the easiest” conflict to end.
“Because of my relationship with President Putin,” he said, “but he’s let me down. He’s really let me down.”
The comments marked a sharper turn from Trump, who has often cast himself as uniquely positioned to negotiate with Moscow.
He urged Europe to tighten the economic squeeze on Russia, calling on governments to halt oil purchases that, he argued, bankroll the war.
“If the price of oil comes down, Putin’s going to drop out of that war,” he said.
Starmer Walks Diplomatic Tightrope
Starmer, who has styled himself as a bridge between Trump and skeptical European allies, has pressed the U.S. to commit more firmly to Kyiv.
Thursday’s talks also touched on the Gaza conflict, trade, migration, and climate — issues where the two leaders found both common ground and friction.
The Labour prime minister struck an upbeat tone, highlighting the U.S.-UK trade pact signed in May, which he called “the best” deal Washington had agreed so far.
He also hailed a fresh technology partnership with Washington that will channel £150 billion ($205 billion) in American investment into Britain, spanning artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and nuclear energy.
Yet Trump signaled unease over London’s plans to formally recognise a Palestinian state, calling it one of the “few disagreements” in his discussions with Starmer.
He also waded into Britain’s domestic debate over immigration, claiming he advised the prime minister to “stop it,” even by using military force.
Royal Pageantry, Political Shadows
The Chequers meeting followed Trump’s farewell to King Charles III at Windsor Castle, where he praised the monarch as a “great gentleman and a great king.”
On Wednesday, Trump was feted with gun salutes, cavalry processions, and a lavish banquet — the second state visit Britain has afforded him since 2019.
“The United States and the United Kingdom share an unbreakable bond,” Trump declared earlier in the day. King Charles, in turn, applauded the president’s stated support for Ukraine but urged him to prioritize the environment “for our children, grandchildren, and those who come after them.”
The visit was not without political undercurrents. Starmer is facing scrutiny at home after sacking Britain’s ambassador to Washington, Peter Mandelson, over ties to disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein — a figure whose shadow has also trailed Trump.
Meanwhile, an estimated 5,000 protesters marched through central London against the American president’s presence.
Still, the visit delivered symbolic victories for both leaders. For Trump, it offered a stage to project statesmanship and secure lucrative trade commitments; for Starmer, a chance to show he can manage a difficult ally while drawing economic rewards.
As Trump prepared to depart for Washington, he called the British state honours “one of the highest of my life,” a remark that underscored the blend of diplomacy, drama, and spectacle that has defined his latest UK tour.
