Washington, Feb 27 (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump mentioned on Thursday that discussions with Russia and Ukraine regarding a peace agreement are "well advanced." During his meeting with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer at the White House, he acknowledged Russia's involvement in the negotiations.
Starmer urged the United States to offer a security "backstop" for European forces potentially participating in peacekeeping in Ukraine after the conclusion of talks that Trump has prioritized since assuming office last month.
Seated next to Starmer in the Oval Office, Trump expressed confidence in the viability of a peace deal with Russia, indicating he believes Putin would not invade Ukraine again.
Trump stated, "I think Russia has been acting very well... We're quite far along with the deal, but it's not finalized yet," and mentioned that he would reserve discussion of peacekeeping specifics until an agreement is reached.
In response to a question on Putin's trustworthiness, Trump's comment was, "Trust and verify."
Starmer expressed gratitude to Trump for "shifting the dialogue to create the possibility for a peace accord."
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy is scheduled to visit the White House on Friday and is likely to sign a critical minerals agreement with Trump. The President noted that the agreement would serve as a safeguard for Ukraine.