UK committed to Ukraine's 'irreversible' path to NATO membership, Starmer says

LONDON (Reuters) - Britain remains committed to Ukraine being on "an irreversible path to NATO" membership, Prime Minister Keir Starmer told President Volodymyr Zelenskiy on Friday, after the United States made contradictory comments on Ukraine's future.

Zelenskiy and European leaders have been left reeling after U.S. President Donald Trump spoke directly to Russian President Vladimir Putin and announced the start of negotiations to end the war.

The move prompted fears among European governments that they might be cut out of a deal which could end up being too favourable to Russia and undermine their own security.

"The prime minister reiterated the UK's commitment to Ukraine being on an irreversible path to NATO, as agreed by Allies at the Washington Summit last year," a readout of a call with Zelenskiy issued by Starmer's office said.

Starmer reiterated his position that there could be no talks "about Ukraine, without Ukraine", and said the country needed strong security guarantees, further lethal aid and a sovereign future.

Trump's deputy Ukraine envoy, John Coale, on Thursday said the U.S. had not ruled out potential NATO membership for Ukraine or a negotiated return to its pre-2014 borders, contradicting comments made this week by the U.S. defense secretary.

Zelenskiy said he had informed Starmer about his call with Trump.

"The security of each nation depends on strengthening our collective security," Zelenskiy said on X. "It is crucial that every new week brings tangible results that will ensure a lasting and reliable peace."

(Reporting by Catarina Demony, writing by Sachin Ravikumar; editing by William James and Aidan Lewis)