As Europe’s top leaders visit Washington this week, the primary focus is to persuade President Donald Trump not to turn his back on Ukraine amidst the ongoing war with Russia. The diplomatic push involves a coordinated effort between U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron to maintain American support for Ukraine, reports AP.
Their approach can be seen as a balance of different tactics: Starmer plays the role of a diplomatic bridge between Europe and the U.S., while Macron has been more vocal in his criticism of Trump’s recent rhetoric, which aligns with Moscow’s narrative. Macron has also raised concerns about Trump’s discussions on negotiating with Russia while excluding Ukraine from the process.
Both leaders have made it clear that any peace talks must prioritize Ukraine’s sovereignty and involvement.
Macron urged Trump not to appear “weak” in the face of Russian President Vladimir Putin. “It’s not you, it’s not your trademark, and it’s not in your best interest,” said Macron, who is due to visit the White House on Monday, marking the third anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Starmer will follow up with his visit on Thursday.
Double Diplomacy: A Mixed Approach
These meetings follow a European summit in Paris, called by Macron, aimed at evaluating next steps for the continent. Additionally, Trump had recently dismissed the contributions of Macron and Starmer in resolving the war, claiming they had done little over the past three years.
Macron, known for his assertive diplomatic style, is looking to convince Trump that American and European interests align, telling him, “If you allow Russia to take Ukraine, it would be unstoppable.” Starmer, on the other hand, is taking a more cautious approach, avoiding direct confrontation with Trump. Instead, Starmer emphasizes the importance of maintaining strong ties between the U.S. and Europe while reaffirming the U.K.’s commitment to Ukraine.
Starmer recently spoke to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, assuring him of the U.K.’s “unwavering support” for Ukraine and a “just and lasting peace.” Starmer plans to underscore Ukraine’s sovereignty in his discussions with Trump.
While some critics believe that Britain’s role as a bridge between the U.S. and Europe is flawed, particularly given the U.K.’s diminished global influence post-Brexit, both leaders are keen to ensure that the U.S. remains engaged in European security.
The Challenge of U.S. Reluctance
One of the key points Macron and Starmer will discuss in Washington is ensuring that Ukraine has a central role in any future peace talks. They are also advocating for a European-led security initiative for Ukraine, potentially deploying troops to safeguard the country’s future. However, both leaders are well aware that any such initiative will require strong U.S. backing, likely in the form of American air support, to deter further Russian aggression.
Trump’s skepticism of NATO and his view that the U.S. shoulders too much of Europe’s security burden have been major points of contention. Despite this, Macron and Starmer are committed to pushing for more European defense spending, including France’s plan to increase military spending to 2% of GDP, and the U.K.’s pledge to raise its defense budget to 2.5%.
To sway Trump’s opinion, some suggest Starmer could appeal to Trump’s historical legacy, framing the peace talks as a defining moment for his presidency. “This could be your peace agreement, Mr. President,” said Jamie Shea, a former NATO official. “Do you want to risk failing?”
Trade and Tariffs on the Agenda
In addition to Ukraine, Macron and Starmer will also tackle trade issues during their visits to Washington. The leaders hope to avoid the imposition of U.S. tariffs, a concern raised by Trump’s previous tariffs on China and European goods, as well as his threats to raise taxes on products from Canada and Mexico.
Starmer will also seek to discuss the U.K.’s trade relationship with the U.S. post-Brexit, emphasizing their relatively balanced trade ties to avoid the worst of Trump’s tariff policies. In addition, Starmer intends to address controversial issues like Trump’s suggestion of deporting Palestinians from Gaza and his stance on the Chagos Islands, which the U.K. has agreed to cede to Mauritius.
To ensure a positive diplomatic tone, Starmer may offer Trump a royal invitation, with plans for a future state visit to the U.K., complete with ceremonial fanfare.
Conclusion
The visits by Macron and Starmer to Washington will play a crucial role in shaping the future of the conflict in Ukraine and Europe’s relationship with the U.S. These talks come at a time when tensions between Russia and the West remain high, and the future of Ukraine hangs in the balance. The outcome of these discussions could determine not only the fate of Ukraine but also the U.S.’s broader role in European security.
As Europe seeks to maintain a united front on Ukraine, Macron and Starmer’s diplomacy will be key in ensuring that the U.S. remains committed to supporting Ukraine, preventing further Russian expansion, and ultimately working towards a peaceful resolution.
