French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer will meet with Donald Trump to discuss the ongoing Ukraine conflict. Both leaders will advocate for a strong stance against Russia, urging Trump to avoid quick ceasefire agreements. Discussions will also focus on enhancing European security and providing guarantees for Ukraine, with potential plans for military support and the deployment of European peacekeepers, contingent on future agreements.
Upcoming Meetings of European Leaders with Donald Trump
French President Emmanuel Macron is set to meet with Donald Trump on Monday, followed by British Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s meeting on Thursday. These diplomatic visits occur amidst escalating concerns across Europe about the United States’ stance on the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Focus on Security and Negotiation
Both leaders are expected to advocate for a collaborative approach to negotiations, urging Trump to resist hastily agreeing to a ceasefire with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Macron, who is keen to leverage his prior rapport with Trump, warns that conceding to a subpar deal would signal a lack of strength from the U.S. ‘I will tell him: being weak in front of Putin is not in your interest,’ he stated recently, emphasizing the necessity of a robust stance against adversaries like China and Iran.
The interactions come at a time of tension between Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, following Trump’s controversial remarks labeling Zelensky a ‘dictator without elections.’ Macron perceives his visit as a pivotal opportunity for Europe to influence the discussions surrounding Ukraine’s future. As political science expert Philip Golub noted, ‘Whether he can actually achieve something during this visit is, however, another matter.’
Starmer echoes concerns about the potential for renewed aggression from Putin, cautioning that the cessation of hostilities might only be a temporary reprieve. Trump has previously criticized both leaders, stating they have ‘done nothing’ to resolve the Ukraine crisis while still acknowledging their friendship.
Strengthening Security in Europe
France and the United Kingdom aim to demonstrate their commitment to enhancing security in Europe. They are particularly focused on negotiating security guarantees for Ukraine, seeking Trump’s support in providing these assurances. Following Trump’s election victory, military discussions between France and Britain intensified, concentrating on strategic preparations for a post-war scenario in Ukraine.
While neither country is considering deploying troops to Ukraine immediately, plans are being developed for air, maritime, land, and cyber support to deter further Russian aggression. Potential bases for air and maritime assets include Poland and Romania, ensuring the safety of international airspace and navigation in the Black Sea.
Moreover, the conversations between Paris and London also touch upon the possibility of European peacekeepers being sent to Ukraine, although the specifics of troop deployment would depend on future agreements and international mandates. A French military official emphasized the importance of organizational capability over sheer numbers, stating, ‘It’s not about the number of soldiers in Ukraine. It’s about the ability to mobilize and the ability to organize everything into a set of interoperable units.’