Washington: A Bridge Between the US and Europe on Ukraine
Keir Starmer Pitches Himself as a ‘Bridge’ Between the US and Europe on Ukraine
WASHINGTON: British Prime Minister Keir Starmer meets Donald Trump today to plead for a US "backstop" to any Ukraine ceasefire, insisting it would be the only way to deter Russia’s Vladimir Putin from invading again.
A European Peacekeeping Force and US Security Guarantees
The trip to the White House builds on a visit by French President Emmanuel Macron, amid growing concerns in Europe that the US leader is about to sell Kyiv short in negotiations with Putin. London and Paris are spearheading proposals to send a European peacekeeping force to Ukraine if Trump’s shock decision to pursue talks directly with Russia’s president brings a deal to end the war. However, they are calling for US security guarantees in return, amid spiraling concerns in Europe that Trump is taking Russia’s side and will sever the decades-old transatlantic alliance.
The Security Guarantee
"The security guarantee has to be sufficient to deter Putin," Starmer told reporters on the plane to Washington. "If there is a ceasefire without a backstop, it will simply give him the opportunity to wait and to come again, because his ambition in relation to Ukraine is pretty obvious."
US Contributions and Trade
The Europeans are seeking possible US contributions like air cover, intelligence, and logistics to support any troops sent to monitor a ceasefire. Trump has appeared cool on providing US security, with the president having long pushed for European nations to take more of the burden for supporting Ukraine.
"Well I’m not going to make security guarantees beyond very much. We’re going to have Europe do that," Trump told reporters as he held the first cabinet meeting of his second term on Wednesday.
A Clash of Styles
The Oval Office meeting promises to be a clash of styles between the mild-mannered Labour leader, a former human rights lawyer, and the brash Republican tycoon. Starmer, who will hold a joint press conference with the US president, has pitched himself as a "bridge" between Trump and Europe on Ukraine. The British premier also comes bearing a gift for Trump, with his announcement Tuesday that UK defence spending will rise to 2.5% by 2027, particularly aimed at the American leader.
Conclusion
The meeting between Starmer and Trump will be a crucial moment in the ongoing negotiations to end the Ukraine conflict. The European Union and the US have different perspectives on the issue, and it remains to be seen whether they will be able to find a common ground. The fate of Ukraine hangs in the balance, and only time will tell if the two leaders will be able to bridge their differences and bring an end to the conflict.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the purpose of Keir Starmer’s trip to Washington?
A: Starmer is meeting with Donald Trump to discuss the situation in Ukraine and to plead for a US "backstop" to any ceasefire agreement.
Q: What are the European Union’s proposals for ending the Ukraine conflict?
A: The EU is proposing to send a European peacekeeping force to Ukraine if a ceasefire agreement is reached, and is calling for US security guarantees in return.
Q: How does the US see the situation in Ukraine?
A: The US is pursuing direct talks with Russia, without including Ukraine or its European allies, which has raised concerns in Europe that Trump is taking Russia’s side and will sever the transatlantic alliance.
Q: What is the significance of the meeting between Starmer and Trump?
A: The meeting is a crucial moment in the ongoing negotiations to end the Ukraine conflict, and will determine whether the two leaders can find a common ground and bring an end to the conflict.