Starmer, Macron lead European push to back Ukraine amid U.S. Uncertainty

English , International - بین الاقوامی , Snippets , / Tuesday, March 4th, 2025

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British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron are leading efforts to reinforce European security and strengthen Ukraine’s defenses amid uncertainty over U.S. policy on the war. Their diplomatic push comes as the Trump administration signals a potential ceasefire deal that could favor Russia.
Following meetings in Washington with President Donald Trump, both leaders returned to Europe to assess the situation. Starmer convened a summit in London with Macron, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and other European leaders, stressing that the continent must take greater responsibility for its own security. The talks gained urgency after a tense White House encounter where Trump and Vice President JD Vance publicly admonished Zelenskyy, ultimately scrapping a proposed U.S.-Ukraine agreement on rare earth minerals.
Starmer and Macron are working to build a coalition of European nations willing to bolster Ukraine’s defenses, including the possibility of deploying troops to uphold a ceasefire. The initiative signals a shift in European leadership, stepping in where institutions like the EU and NATO face challenges. While NATO remains divided due to U.S. policy shifts, the EU is struggling with internal dissent, particularly from Hungary’s pro-Russia stance.
Despite domestic political hurdles, both leaders are positioning the U.K. and France as key players in maintaining European stability. Macron has openly criticized Trump’s stance on Ukraine, while Starmer seeks to mediate between Europe and Washington without direct confrontation. With Germany undergoing a leadership transition, Britain and France have emerged as the primary forces rallying support for Kyiv as the war enters its fourth year.