LONDON (AP) — This week, the leaders of France and Britain are conducting coordinated visits to Washington in a bid to persuade President Donald Trump not to relinquish support for Ukraine in the push for a peace agreement amidst the three-year conflict with Russia.
The efforts led by U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron resemble a diplomatic good cop, bad cop approach to maintaining American backing for Kyiv.
Starmer aims to position himself as a connector between Europe and the U.S. administration, while Macron has taken a firmer stance, criticizing Trump’s recent remarks that align with Russia’s perspective and American initiatives to engage in talks with Moscow at Ukraine’s expense.
Both leaders emphasize the importance of Ukraine’s voice and sovereignty in any forthcoming peace discussions.
The French president has cautioned Trump against projecting “weakness in the face of President Putin.”
“That’s not you, it’s not your brand, and it’s not in your interests,” Macron stated, with his visit to the White House set for Monday, marking the third anniversary of Russia’s large-scale invasion of Ukraine. Starmer is expected to follow on Thursday.
Double-track diplomacy
These trips follow Macron’s call for a crisis meeting of European leaders in Paris the previous week, coinciding with Trump’s recent claim that Macron and Starmer “haven’t done a thing” in the past three years to resolve the conflict.
The centrist French leader, well-known for his bold diplomatic strategies, plans to convince Trump that American and European interests align, stating: “Allowing Russia to seize Ukraine would set a precedent that is unmanageable.”
Starmer, who tends to be more cautious, has refrained from directly opposing Trump or critiquing his policies. Notably, the U.K. joined the U.S. in abstaining from a joint declaration at an Artificial Intelligence summit hosted by Macron in Paris earlier this month, perceived as an attempt to gain favor with Washington.
However, the prime minister has reiterated Britain’s unwavering support for Ukraine, pushing back against Trump’s characterization of Zelenskyy as a “dictator” and his claim that Kyiv instigated the conflict, which began with Russia’s invasion on February 24, 2022.
Starmer connected with Zelenskyy on Saturday, expressing “the U.K.’s steadfast backing for Ukraine and a dedication to achieving a fair and sustainable peace.” He mentioned he would emphasize “protecting Ukraine’s sovereignty” in discussions with Trump in Washington.
Some historians argue that the notion of Britain serving as a transatlantic bridge lacks a solid foundation.
“The ‘special relationship’ has always favored the British side more,” remarked Margaret MacMillan, a history professor at Oxford University. “Ultimately, great powers typically act in their own interests.”
She suggested that for Macron and Starmer, the key goal is to ensure U.S. involvement in Europe, though whether they can achieve this is uncertain.
Overcoming U.S. reluctance
In Washington, Macron and Starmer will assert that Ukraine must be included in any negotiations regarding its future. Their aim is to garner U.S. support for a developing plan that proposes the deployment of European troops as a “reassurance force” to help ensure Ukraine’s future security. Starmer has highlighted that the success of this plan is contingent on a U.S. “backstop,” likely provided through American air power to deter further Russian aggression.
Trump, however, may express skepticism. He has long questioned the worth of NATO and frequently vocalizes dissatisfaction with the U.S. providing security for European nations that he believes do not contribute adequately.
Both Macron and Starmer seem prepared to address Trump’s appeal for increased defense spending. France allocates slightly above 2% of its gross domestic product for military expenditures, with Macron proclaiming last week that Europeans “must enhance our war efforts.”
The U.K. currently spends 2.3% of its GDP on defense, and Starmer has indicated that figure will rise to 2.5%. He may provide a timeline for achieving this target during his visit to Washington.
Jamie Shea, a retired senior NATO official, suggested that Starmer should strive to appeal to Trump’s historical legacy.
“The main argument Starmer could present is, ‘Mr. President, this is going to be your peace agreement. You will be associated with it for better or worse for all time. Is it worth risking failure?’” Shea explained.
Talking trade and tariffs
Trade discussions — along with strategies to sidestep U.S.-imposed tariffs — will also feature prominently in both leaders’ agendas.
Trump has enacted reciprocal import duties on American trading partners, enforced 10% tariffs on China, effectively raised U.S. taxes on foreign steel and aluminum, and has threatened, then delayed for 30 days, the implementation of 25% tariffs on goods imported from Canada and Mexico.
U.K. officials are optimistic that Britain’s exit from the European Union — a move lauded by Trump — and its relatively balanced trade with the U.S. will help it avoid severe tariffs.
Starmer also intends to voice U.K. opposition to Trump’s proposal regarding the deportation of Palestinians from Gaza to facilitate U.S. control over the area. Moreover, he will address U.S. concerns regarding a U.K. deal to transfer control of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, an archipelago in the Indian Ocean that hosts a vital U.S. military installation.
If other strategies falter, Britain may resort to ceremonial soft power from royalty. Reports from The Daily Telegraph indicate that Starmer will extend an invitation from King Charles III for a state visit filled with royal tradition and ceremony.
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Corbet reported from Paris.
