Starmer to Press Ukraine’s Sovereignty in Talks with Donald Trump
London, The Gulf Observer: Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has assured Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky that he will continue to advocate for the safeguarding of Ukraine’s sovereignty during upcoming talks with US President Donald Trump, as tensions rise between European leaders and the United States. In a Saturday morning call, Starmer reiterated the UK’s steadfast support for Ukraine, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding the country’s sovereignty in any peace negotiations with Russia.
According to Downing Street, the Prime Minister informed President Zelensky that he would advance these critical discussions during his visit to Washington next week. Starmer will meet with Trump, who has previously labeled Zelensky a “dictator” and criticized European leaders, including Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron, for their perceived inaction on the war in Ukraine.
Starmer stressed that Ukraine’s participation in peace negotiations was non-negotiable, underlining the need for Ukraine to be central in any discussions aimed at ending the war. He also emphasized the necessity of securing a just and lasting peace to prevent further aggression from Russia.
The call comes amid growing concern over Trump’s controversial remarks about Ukraine, including his claims that Kyiv “started” the war, and the wider transatlantic divide between the US and European nations on how to address the conflict. European leaders, including Sir Keir, have strongly condemned Trump’s rhetoric, particularly his assertion that Zelensky is a dictator without elections.
In addition to his conversation with Zelensky, Sir Keir spoke with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Saturday. They agreed that Europe must play a more prominent role in ensuring collective security on the continent, especially as the three-year anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine approaches. The leaders reiterated the need for a just and enduring peace for Ukraine, with von der Leyen stressing the importance of Europe stepping up for the sake of European security.
With growing pressure to balance the UK’s unwavering support for Ukraine with maintaining relations with the White House, Sir Keir is expected to use his trip to Washington to address these tensions. He plans to outline a timeline for increasing UK defense spending, aiming to reassure the US that Europe is committed to its own security.
During his visit, Sir Keir is also expected to extend an invitation for a state visit to Trump, a known admirer of the British royal family. The upcoming talks with the former president are seen as a crucial moment in Starmer’s leadership, as he navigates fragile relations between Europe and the US amid Trump’s scathing comments on Ukraine and Europe’s role in the conflict.
