Keir Starmer Advised Zelenskyy on How to "Behave" Around Trump

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has reportedly been coaching Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on how to avoid another public clash with Donald Trump during his latest visit to Washington, NBC News reported on Monday.

Zelensky arrived in the US capital this week for high-stakes talks with President Trump and America’s European allies, seeking to shore up support for Ukraine as the war grinds on. His previous trip in February ended abruptly after a heated Oval Office exchange with Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance.

Starmer steps in

According to NBC, Starmer played a key role among European officials who briefed Zelensky ahead of the White House meeting. He was said to have advised the Ukrainian leader to show gratitude for US military aid and diplomatic backing, while avoiding the sharp tone that triggered tensions earlier this year.

Starmer reportedly also recommended that Zelensky alter his trademark appearance, military-style fatigues and t-shirts, by donning a suit jacket to project a more formal image in Washington.

Lessons from February

The guidance followed February’s fractious encounter, when Trump accused Zelensky of “gambling with World War III” and Vance charged that Kiev was showing insufficient appreciation for American support. The exchange reportedly escalated into a shouting match before Zelensky’s trip was cut short.

Since then, UK ministers and officials have quietly counseled Zelensky on how to “speak Trump” and to frame requests in a way that flatters the American president, according to the Telegraph.

History of clashes

Trump and Zelensky have a turbulent history. The U.S president has long resisted blaming Russia directly for the war, and earlier this year he branded Zelensky “a dictator” over his decision to postpone elections under martial law.