U.K. PM Starmer, Trump discuss security and Russia deterrence in Arctic region

British Prime Minister ‍Keir Starmer spoke to U.S. ​President Donald Trump on ‌Thursday (January 8, 2026) about Euro-Atlantic ​security and the need to deter an increasingly aggressive Russia in the Arctic region, a Downing Street spokeswoman ​said.

Mr. Starmer told Mr. Trump ⁠that European allies had stepped up in recent months ​to defend ⁠Euro-Atlantic interests but said more could be done to protect the ‌area, she added.

The ‌two leaders spoke on Wednesday (January 7) ‍about Greenland, joint efforts to intercept the Marinera ‍tanker, progress on Ukraine and the U.S. operation in Venezuela.

Mr. Starmer had said he stood with Denmark in its defence of Greenland, ⁠saying no one else should determine ​the future of the vast ⁠territory after Mr. Trump said he needed it for defence.