February 15th 2025.
The Prime Minister has expressed his hopes to bridge the gap between Europe and the US, as tension between the two nations has risen due to President Trump's recent decision to engage in talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin. In light of this, Sir Keir Starmer is expected to join European leaders at an emergency summit on Monday, following a suggestion from Trump's Ukraine envoy that they may be excluded from peace negotiations.
As the Prime Minister plans to visit Washington in February, he aims to act as a mediator and bring together Europe and the US, in efforts to resolve the strained relationship caused by Trump's actions. He stated, "This is a crucial moment for our national security, where we must face the reality of the world today and the threat posed by Russia." The Prime Minister also emphasized the need for Europe to take on a greater role in Nato, while working closely with the United States to ensure the future of Ukraine and stand against the common threat of Russia.
President Emmanuel Macron of France is expected to convene with other European leaders and Nato Secretary General Mark Rutte for urgent discussions. This comes after concerns were raised in Europe about the possibility of appeasing Putin, following a statement from Trump's special envoy for Russia and Ukraine, Keith Kellogg, that European leaders may not be involved in the negotiations. In fact, President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine even mentioned the need for a new European army in the future, if the US cannot be relied upon to protect the continent's security.
During his speech, President Zelensky expressed his doubts about America's commitment to Europe, saying, "We cannot ignore the possibility that America may turn its back on Europe in times of crisis." He also criticized Trump for not mentioning the importance of Europe in his conversation with Putin, stating, "The days of America always supporting Europe are over." Zelensky stressed the need for Europe to create its own armed forces, in light of the ongoing conflict with Russia and the possibility of being left out of negotiations.
It has been suggested that the US and Russia will hold talks in Saudi Arabia, with the expectation of a meeting between Trump and Putin. However, Zelensky has made it clear that any deals made without Ukraine's involvement will not be accepted. Retired General Kellogg clarified that while the negotiations will be between Russia and Ukraine, Trump will serve as a mediator, and Europe will still have a role to play in the discussions. He stated, "It would be wrong to think that Trump will handle this alone. We never said that."
In the midst of these talks, Foreign Secretary David Lammy has urged European nations to do more to support Ukraine, stating that the cost of failure would be much higher than investing in Kyiv's needs. Similarly, Rutte also emphasized the need for European nations to increase their defense spending. As these discussions continue, the world watches with bated breath, hoping for a peaceful resolution to the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
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