Sir Keir Starmer has heaped praise on Donald Trump for ensuring security guarantees, not just for Ukraine, but for the United Kingdom and Europe if a peace deal is achieved.
The Prime Minister said: "When we talk about security not just of Ukraine, we are talking about the security of Europe and the United Kingdom as well".
"Which is why this is such an important issue," Mr Starmer added.
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"I think this is such an important meeting. As a group I think we've had a discussion on the phone a number of times Mr President but now to be around the table to take it forward."
The Prime Minister declared that "real progress" could be made at the summit on Monday, "particularly on the security guarantees".
He praised the US President for suggesting Ukraine could be handed Nato-style protection.
It comes as the US President told reporters earlier that "we're going to have a phone call right after these meetings ... and we may or may not have a" trilateral meeting, adding that Mr Putin was "expecting my call".
It comes as Mr Trump appeared to rule out arranging a ceasefire as part of plans to try to achieve peace in Ukraine, saying "I don't think you'd need a ceasefire".
However, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said the "credibility of these efforts (today) depend on a ceasefire".
In pictures: Before heading to the multilateral meeting with European leaders
In pictures: Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelensky share a laugh in the White House
German Chancellor challenges Donald Trump on ceasefire
Friedrich Merz has urged for a ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia despite Donald Trump admitting it wasn't a necessary step.
"I can't imagine the next meeting would take place without a ceasefire," Mr Merz said.
He added that it was time to "put pressure on Russia" as the "credibility of these efforts depend on a ceasefire".
Keir Starmer says 'we all want peace'
Keir Starmer
|REUTERS
The Prime Minister echoed Emmanuel Macron's sentiment, saying "we all want peace".
"The war in Ukraine has had a huge impact, particularly on the Ukrainians ... also had an impact on Europe and the United Kingdom," he said.
He said the summit was about achieving security for "not just of Ukraine, but we're talking about the security of Europe and the United Kingdom as well, that's why it is such an important issue".
"With the right approach this afternoon, we can make real progress," Mr Starmer said.
Donald Trump says Russia will accept security guarantees for Ukraine
The US President has declared Vladimir Putin has accepted security guarantees for Ukraine.
Speaking to media with his European counterparts, Mr Trump said "I believe that in a very significant step, President Putin agreed that Russia would accept security guarantees for Ukraine".
"I think that the European nations are going to take a lot of the burden," he said.
"We're going to help them, and we're going to make it very secure."
Donald Trump praises 'my friend' Keir Starmer
Donald Trump declared it all leaders had a "very simple goal" which was that "we want to stop the killing".
It comes as he said that he would call Russian President Vladimir Putin "right after this meeting".
In announcing which leaders were present at the White House, he said Sir Keir Starmer was "my friend".
"(He's) doing really well and people like him a lot," Mr Trump said.
"We all like him."
Pictured: Sir Keir Starmer among world leaders meeting at the White House
European Union President Ursula von der Leyen, Sir Keir Starmer, Finland President Alexander Stubb, Volodymyr Zelensky, Donald Trump, French President Macron, Italy's Giorgia Meloni of Italy, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Nato Secretary-General Mark Rutte
|REUTERS
US President appears to rule out ceasefire in achieving peace in Ukraine
Donald Trump
|REUTERS
Donald Trump appeared to rule out arranging a ceasefire as part of plans to try to achieve peace in Ukraine.
Asked about the potential for a ceasefire in the conflict, he told media “I don’t think you’d need a ceasefire".
“If you look at the six deals that I settled this year, they were all at war – I didn’t do any ceasefires," he added.
“I know that it might be good to have, but I can also understand, strategically, one country or the other wouldn’t want it.
"You have a ceasefire, and they rebuild and rebuild and rebuild and, you know, maybe they don’t want that.”
Mr Trump said he did "like the concept of a ceasefire for one reason, because you'd stop killing people immediately".
"As opposed to in two weeks or one week, or whatever it takes," he said.
“But we can work a deal, we’re working on a peace deal while they’re fighting."
Donald Trump will call Russian President after meeting with European leaders
Before finishing the meeting with media, Donald Trump said he was going to call Vladimir Putin following the meeting with European leaders.
The US President reiterated that he hoped to arrange a trilateral meeting which involved himself and Mr Zelensky.
US President refuses to rule out putting troops in Ukraine
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky with Donald Trump in the Oval Office
|REUTERS
Donald Trump did not rule out putting American troops in Ukraine if a ceasefire is achieved.
“When it comes to security, there’ll be a lot of help,” the US President said.
“We’re going to help them out, we’ll be involved."
Prior to the meeting, Russia's Foreign Ministry said in a statement that they rejected the prospect of Nato troops being sent to Ukraine if there was a ceasefire.
Donald Trump declares 'If I was President, this war would never have happened'
Donald Trump has taken aim at former US President Joe Biden, blaming him for starting the war.
"If I was President, this war would never have happened," Mr Trump said.
Trump continued his condemnation of Mr Biden saying: "He was a horrible, corrupt President".
Volodymyr Zelensky delivers letter for First Lady Melania Trump
Volodymyr Zelensky presented Donald Trump with a letter from his wife to Melania Trump.
The Ukrainian president expressed gratitude to the US first lady, who was absent, for having written to Vladimir Putin the previous week to highlight the issue of Ukrainian children abducted and taken to Russia.
“My thanks to your wife, the First Lady of the United States,” Zelensky told Trump in the Oval Office.
“She sent a letter to Putin about our children, the kidnapped children, and my wife—the First Lady of Ukraine—she gave a letter.”
As Trump accepted the envelope, Zelensky added with a smile: “It’s not to you, to your wife.”
'You look fabulous in that suit': Reporter praises Volodymyr Zelensky after previously mocking the Ukrainian President
The reporter who previously mocked the Ukrainian President for not wearing a suit at the White House has told him "you look fabulous in that suit".
"I apologise to you," the reporter shouted in front of media.
The moment saw Volodymyr Zelensky burst into laughter as the reporter who previously admonished him for his fashion choice delivered praise.
The Ukrainian President was accused of disrespecting the Oval Office by reporter Brian Glenn from Real America’s Voice during a heated showdown in March where JD Vance and President Trump angrily confronted the wartime leader.
Pictured: Volodymyr Zelensky arrives at The White House
Donald Trump greets Volodymyr Zelensky at The White House
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Volodymyr Zelensky’s former adviser hits back as Ukrainian President told ‘wear a suit’
Alexander Rodnyansky, who previously served as an adviser to Ukraine's president, has dismissed the ongoing controversy surrounding Volodymyr Zelensky's choice of clothing for Monday's White House meeting with Donald Trump.
The wardrobe controversy traces back to a tense encounter in March when President Zelensky visited the Oval Office wearing his characteristic military-style clothing rather than traditional formal attire.
During that meeting, President Trump reportedly greeted the Ukrainian president with the sarcastic remark, "He is all dressed up today," establishing an uncomfortable atmosphere from the outset.
PM lands in the US for historic talks
Sir Keir Starmer walking off the plane in Washington DC
|GB NEWS
Keir Starmer has landed in Washington DC.
The Prime Minister is set to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, US President Donald Trump and other European leaders.
'Big day at the White House' - Donald Trump
Donald Trump has posted to social media to say today is a "big day at the White House".
"We have never had so many European leaders here at one time," the US President wrote to Truth Social.
"A great honour for America!!!! Let's see what the results will be???"
The time in Washington DC is just after 9.30am, at the time of writing.
'Everybody wants this to end', says Sir Keir Starmer on plane to Washington
The Prime Minister is en route to Washington DC
|SIR KEIR STARMER/X
Sir Keir Starmer has said that allies must ensure there is “fair” and “just” peace in Ukraine.
In a video posted on X, the Prime Minister said: “Everybody wants [the conflict] to end, not least the Ukrainians.
“But we’ve got to get this right. We’ve got to make sure there is peace, that it is lasting peace, and that it is fair and that it is just.
“That’s why I’m travelling to Washington with other European leaders to discuss this face to face with President Trump and President Zelensky, because it’s in everyone’s interests, it’s in the UK’s interests that we get this right.”
Britain's position on Ukraine joining Nato has not changed, says No10 spokesman
Downing Street has said Britain's position on Ukraine joining Nato has not changed after Donald Trump suggested Kyiv should not be allowed to become a member of the defence alliance.
“Russia cannot have a veto against Ukraine’s pathway to the EU or Nato,” the Prime Minister’s official spokesman said.
Asked if Mr Trump could have a veto, the spokesman repeated that “our position on Ukraine and Nato hasn’t changed” and that Ukraine is on “irreversible path” to membership.
The White House meeting today is an “important moment on the journey towards lasting peace”, the spokesman added.
Donald Trump rules out two major Volodymyr Zelensky demands ahead of talks
Donald Trump has ruled out two major demands by the Ukrainian President
|GETTY
US President Donald Trump has ruled out two major demands by Volodymyr Zelensky ahead of a crunch meeting on the Russian-Ukraine conflict at the White House today.
This includes the idea of Ukraine regaining Crimea in any agreement for peace.
The Eastern European peninsula, which sits on the northern coast of the Black Sea, is central to a more than 10 year-long war, having been occupied by Russia in 2014.
Mr Zelensky has previously insisted that he will not relinquish Crimea permanently to the Russians.
However, Mr Trump also said there will be "no going into Nato by Ukraine".
Ukraine's desire to join Nato has been a point of contention for over 15 years and something which Russia has consistently opposed for fear it would bring the alliance's forces too close to its borders.
The US President posted to Trump Social: "President Zelensky of Ukraine can end the war with Russia almost immediately, if he wants to, or he can continue to fight.
"Remember how it started. No getting back Obama given Crimea (12 years ago, without a shot being fired!), and NO GOING INTO NATO BY UKRAINE. Some things never change!!!"
President Zelensky accuses Russia of 'demonstrative and cynical' attack on Ukrainian city
The aftermath of strikes in Kharkiv, Ukraine
|REUTERS
Volodymyr Zelensky has accused Russia of carrying out a "demonstrative and cynical" strike in Ukraine ahead of talks at the White House.
The Ukraine President said Russia was "aware a meeting is taking place in Washington that will address the end of the war".
He claimed seven people have been killed by a drone strike in the city of Kharkiv including a girl as young as one and a half years-old.
"Russians are deliberately killing people, particularly children," President Zelensky wrote to X.
He added: "The Russian war machine continues to destroy lives despite everything. Putin will commit demonstrative killings to maintain pressure on Ukraine and Europe, as well as to humiliate diplomatic efforts.
"That is precisely why we are seeking assistance to put an end to the killings. That is why reliable security guarantees are required.
"That is why Russia should not be rewarded for its participation in this war. The war must be ended. And it is Moscow that must hear the word: 'Stop'."
Ukraine peace deal must be backed by 'ironclad security guarantees', says minister
Stephen Kinnock has said any Ukraine peace deal must be backed by "ironclad security guarantees".
The care minister told GB News: "It's a vitally important meeting and it's really good that the American President has made more progress on getting these talks started than anything we've seen since Putin's barbaric and illegal invasion of Ukraine.
“But we have to ensure that any agreement that is reached, first of all, it has to be with the full agreement and acceptance of President Zelensky and his government and the Ukrainian people.
“Once that agreement is in place, it has to be underpinned by an ironclad security guarantee.
“President Putin has shown that he violates international agreements, left, right and centre, unless they're backed up by strong security guarantees.
“So that's why the European leaders and our prime minister Keir Starmer are going out, is to say, right what does that security guarantee look like? How do we ensure that any agreement that is reached is robust and credible?"
US Secretary of State shuts down claims European leaders joining President Zelensky at the White House to stop him being 'bullied'
US Secretary of State has Marco Rubio has rubbished the idea that European leaders are joining Volodymyr Zelensky at talks being held in Washington to stop him being "bullied".
In an interview with CBS, Mr Rubio was asked if he could offer reassurance to "concern from the European's" that the Ukrainian President was going to be "bullied" at the White House today.
He however quickly shut down the claim, saying it "not true" and branding it a "stupid media narrative".
"They're not coming here tomorrow to keep Zelensky from being bullied, Mr Rubio told CBS.
"They're coming here tomorrow because we’ve been working with the Europeans — we talked to them last week; there were meetings in the UK over the previous weekend."
Five killed in overnight Russian attack on Ukraine ahead of talks in Washington
Aftermath of the attack in Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine
|REUTERS
Ukraine's air force has said Russia launched four missiles and 140 drones during an overnight attack on the city of Kharkiv, just hours before today's crunch meeting on the conflict.
The air force added that it had shot down 88 drones and recorded hits in 25 locations across six Ukrainian regions.
Five people were killed and at least 19 recorded were injured, officials said.
In the city of Zaporizhzhia, another ballistic strike took place according to Andriy Yermak, head of the office of the President of Ukraine.
"Zaporizhzhia. Another Russian ballistic strike on our city, Mr Yermak wrote to X
"This is exactly why Putin doesn’t want a ceasefire — he enjoys shelling peaceful cities while talking about a supposed desire to end the war. So far, we see no such desire."
Britain will only support Ukraine giving up land if Volodymyr Zelensky agrees - care minister
Care minister Stephen Kinnock said President Zelensky must agree before 'any decisions' are made about Ukrainian land
|GETTY
Care minister Stephen Kinnock has said President Zelensky must agree before "any decisions" are made about Ukrainian territory.
Mr Kinnock explained that Sir Kier Starmer had three objectives for when he meets Donald Trump at the White House alongside the Ukraine President today.
"The first of all is to make it absolutely clear that any decisions taken about Ukrainian territory must be taken with the agreement of the Ukrainian government and President Zelensky, he told Times Radio.
“The other is that the pathway for Ukraine to Nato and to security guarantees cannot be dictated to them by any other country, and the other is to send a very clear message that we the British people stand firmly shoulder-to-shoulder with the Ukrainian people as we showed when we opened our homes and our hearts to the Ukrainian refugees.”
Volodymyr Zelensky hopeful 'joint strength' of key nations will force peace with Russia
Volodymyr Zelensky said his fellow European leaders and Donald Trump all share "a strong desire to end the war quickly and reliably" as he marks arrival in the US.
In a post to social media earlier this morning, the Ukraine President announced he had arrived in Washington ahead of talks later today.
He added that he was hopeful the "joint strength" with America and Europe would force Russia into "a real peace".
"I am confident that we will defend Ukraine, effectively guarantee security, and that our people will always be grateful to President Trump, everyone in America, and every partner and ally for their support and invaluable assistance, Mr Zelensky wrote to X.
"Russia must end this war, which it itself started. And I hope that our joint strength with America, with our European friends, will force Russia into a real peace."
Who will be attending crunch meeting in Washington?
Sir Keir Starmer hosted Volodymyr Zelensky at Downing Street last week
|GETTY
- Sir Keir Starmer
- Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky
- French President Emmanuel Macron
- German Chancellor Friedrich Merz
- Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni
- President of Alexander Stubb
- Nato chief Mark Rutte
- European Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen