Keir Starmer and Emmanuel Macron have reached an agreement to display “united leadership in support of Ukraine” during their individual meetings with Donald Trump this week.
The UK Prime Minister and the French President communicated on Sunday afternoon to emphasize the necessity of placing Ukraine at the forefront of any discussions aimed at concluding the war, according to Downing Street.
Their conversation, ahead of a pivotal week for both leaders, underscores their intent to maintain a unified European stance against Russia’s aggression, especially after President Biden made remarkable criticisms of Volodymyr Zelenskyy, labeling the Ukrainian leader as a “dictator without elections”.
Russian and US delegates have consented to initiate efforts aimed at concluding the conflict without including Ukraine in the discussions, which has led to widespread international dissent.
Additionally, the White House has been exerting pressure on the Ukrainian leader to endorse a $500bn (£395bn) minerals agreement that would allocate half of Ukraine’s mineral resources to the US, a deal that Zelenskyy has yet to sign.
Tensions escalated on Friday when Trump remarked that Starmer and Macron “haven’t done anything” to resolve the war in Ukraine.
Nevertheless, during their call, the Prime Minister and French President stated: “The UK and Europe must persist in enhancing their security measures and exhibit united leadership in support of Ukraine amidst Russian aggression, which they both intend to discuss during their upcoming engagements in the US,” as noted by Downing Street.
Reflecting on his impending visit, which will be a crucial test for his leadership, Starmer informed reporters in Glasgow: “The special relationship between us will clearly be central to our discussions this week, alongside the situation in Ukraine and other significant issues.”
Starmer also reiterated his support for Ukraine during his address at the Scottish Labour conference. “I’ve witnessed the devastation inflicted by Putin firsthand. Mark my words: what I have observed only strengthens my resolve to advocate for Ukraine,” he stated.
Bridget Phillipson, the education secretary, expressed that Trump was right to re-establish connections with Putin to facilitate peace talks to conclude the war, asserting that there could be “no negotiated peace without Russia”.
Zelenskyy, who was elected democratically in May 2019, indicated he might be willing to “give up” his presidency in exchange for peace when asked during a press conference in Kyiv on Sunday. “Yes, I am willing if it means peace for Ukraine,” he stated.
He added: “If it requires me to vacate this position, I am prepared to do so, provided it leads to NATO membership for Ukraine.”
Alex Sobel, Labour MP for Leeds Central and chair of the all-party parliamentary group for Ukraine, remarked: “[Zelenskyy] knows what is in his nation’s best interest. He has proven to be a great democrat who prioritizes his country and its secure future over personal interests.”
However, Ed Davey, leader of the Liberal Democrats, told the Guardian: “Shame on Donald Trump for his betrayal of Ukraine. President Zelenskyy should never have been put in this predicament.
after newsletter promotion
“It’s not surprising that Zelenskyy is prepared to resign if it brings the peace and security that Ukraine desperately needs and deserves. This is because he represents the antithesis of Donald Trump: a selfless, patriotic leader.
“The UK government must continue to support Zelenskyy in every conceivable manner while ensuring that Ukraine guides its own future – rather than being dictated by Putin or Trump.”
In view of Trump’s expectations, officials, including Peter Mandelson, the British ambassador to the US, have been gearing up Starmer to utilize his trip to Washington to affirm a timeline for increasing UK defense spending to 2.5% of GDP.
Phillipson characterized the 2.5% goal as “ambitious” and encouraged European allies to “step up to the plate”, although she indicated that it seemed improbable for the Prime Minister to unveil a comprehensive strategy this week regarding the UK’s increase in defense spending.
She commented: “Let’s be clear: 2.5% is ambitious. We will arrive there, but it is indeed ambitious, particularly in the context of public finance, which, let’s be frank, has been left in a dire state by the Conservatives – a £22bn black hole, with no credible plan pertaining to their claimed approach to reaching 2.5%.”
Starmer’s rendezvous with Trump is set to occur three days after the US president’s meeting with Macron, who will be the inaugural European leader to visit Washington since Trump’s inauguration.
Phillipson downplayed the significance of Starmer not being the first European leader to engage with Trump. “I don’t think that is particularly important,” she stated during Sky’s Sunday Morning With Trevor Phillips programme.
