Starmer to join Macron summit in Paris, then travel to Trump - The Guardian
Photo: British Prime Minister Keir Starmer (Getty Images)
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer to join European summit called by French President Emmanuel Macron, before heading to the US, The Guardian reports.
On Saturday, February 15, the UK government confirmed that they are aware of the planned summit. According to the report, British officials indicated that Starmer would attend the summit and deliver a message from Paris to Washington later this week, where he will meet with President Donald Trump.
British sources also suggested that among those invited by Macron to Paris will be NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, as well as leaders from Germany, Italy, the UK, and Poland.
“This is a once-in-a-generation moment for our national security where we engage with the reality of the world today and the threat we face from Russia. It’s clear Europe must take a greater role in NATO as we work with the United States to secure Ukraine’s future and face down the threat we face from Russia,” said Starmer earlier.
He added that the UK will work to ensure unity between the US and Europe.
Trump vs Europe: tensions rise
It’s worth recalling that during the Munich Security Conference, US Special Representative for Ukraine and Russia, Keith Kellogg, stated that he does not see Europe physically at the negotiation table on Ukraine. However, he also noted that European interests would be considered in the negotiation process.
This stance by the US has sparked dissatisfaction among EU countries. French President Emmanuel Macron has called for a European summit on Monday, February 17, in Paris. EU foreign ministers held an emergency meeting in Munich and announced new initiatives on Ukraine.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine should decide who will participate in the negotiations. He had earlier emphasized that Ukraine would like to see Europe involved in the negotiation process.
