US President Donald Trump stated today during a press conference, after meeting with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, that "Putin has disappointed me greatly."
On the war in Ukraine, he said he was “very disappointed that we haven’t resolved that yet… My biggest disappointment… but I hope we have good news for you.”
Russia is "killing a lot of people and losing even more."
"Russian forces are suffering greater losses than Ukrainian forces," Trump added.
While Starmer said that Vladimir Putin "has shown his true face" in recent days, adding that they need to put "pressure" on the Russian president.
Trump and Starmer disagree on Palestinian state
The situation in Gaza was another topic of discussion, about which Trump said: "I just want all the hostages released now."
But the US president added that he did not agree with Keir Starmer on a Palestinian state.
The UK is expected to officially announce this weekend the recognition of a Palestinian state, and Starmer told the press conference that they "fully agree on the need for peace and a plan of action because the situation in Gaza is unacceptable."
But Donald Trump demanded the release of the 48 hostages still being held by Hamas since October 7, and added: "I have a disagreement with the prime minister on this point, one of our few disagreements, actually."
Trump gives advice on immigration
Trump told reporters that during the meeting, he had told Prime Minister Starmer that he would "stop" illegal immigration and that he had given him advice on the subject. He added that "it doesn't matter if you call in the military" and that it would "destroy... countries from within."
Other topics
When asked if he had any sympathy for Lord Mandelson, who was sacked by Starmer for past links to paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein, the president simply said: “I don’t know him.”
In May, the US president was photographed shaking hands with this Labour member in the Oval Office, after announcing a trade deal with Britain.
Trump said the relationship between the US and the UK is a special one. He described Starmer as "a strong negotiator."
Earlier in the day, Starmer said it was “a great day for the special relationship” as the two leaders met business leaders. They signed a tech prosperity agreement, which offers major investment from US tech companies in the UK, and will help develop artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities.
Starmer also welcomed the prospect of £150 billion being invested in Britain by major US companies such as Palantir and Blackstone, part of a wider £250 billion package that officials say will bring benefits to both sides.
The two leaders also agreed on plans for closer cooperation on nuclear energy, while Trump noted that AI data centers "need a lot of electricity."
On Wednesday evening during his state visit, Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump were treated to a lavish state banquet at Windsor Castle, hosted by King Charles. There were also a number of military celebrations at the castle that day, but the public was not invited.