Donald Trump has brushed off his decision to call the Ukrainian president a “dictator”, saying “I can’t believe I would say that”.

The US president attacked Volodymyr Zelensky earlier this month on social media, describing him as a “dictator without elections”.

But speaking ahead of a meeting with Sir Keir Starmer on Thursday, he refused to repeat the comments, saying: “Did I say that? I can’t believe I would say that.”

The US and UK leaders held an impromptu question and answer session with the media in the Oval Office.

Mr Trump said he would “help” British soldiers if they were attacked when peacekeeping in Ukraine, but repeatedly played down the idea that the US needed to provide a military “backstop”.

Asked if the US would come to Britain’s aid if they came under attack from Russia, he said he would “always be with the British”.

“I’ve always cared about the British,” he said. “They don’t need much help… They can take care of themselves… it sounds like it’s evasive but it’s not evasive.

“You know the British have incredible soldiers, incredible military and they can take care of themselves. But if they need help, I’ll always be with the British, okay? … but they don’t need help.”