U.Ok. Prime Minister Keir Starmer has referred to as on U.S. President Donald Trump to offer American navy backing for a proposed European peacekeeping drive in Ukraine, arguing that solely a U.S. safety assure can deter Russia from launching additional aggression.
His enchantment got here after an emergency summit in Paris on Feb. 17, the place European leaders debated growing protection spending and mentioned the potential deployment of European forces, based on the Guardian. Starmer reiterated his willingness to ship British troops as a part of a multinational drive however insisted that U.S. involvement was important to make sure its effectiveness.
The Paris summit, convened by French President Emmanuel Macron on brief discover, mirrored rising European considerations that Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin could also be negotiating over European safety with out the direct involvement of European leaders.
The Kyiv IndependentAsami Terajima
Whereas some leaders, together with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, opposed discussions on deploying a European drive, Starmer pushed ahead, arguing that European troops would wish American logistical and navy help. U.Ok. protection officers have pressured that even a non-combat peacekeeping drive of 30,000 troops would require NATO’s safety, notably by way of air cowl and logistics.
Scholz, whereas agreeing {that a} European drive couldn’t function with out U.S. backing, dismissed the timing of the talk as untimely. He criticized discussions about troop deployment whereas Russia continues its battle in Ukraine, arguing that the main focus ought to stay on navy and monetary help for Kyiv.
Different European leaders, together with Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, emphasised the pressing want to spice up European protection spending to counter Russia’s navy energy. Tusk warned that until European international locations take fast steps to strengthen their defenses, they’ll wrestle to offer significant help for Ukraine.
If we, Europeans, fail to spend huge on defence now, we shall be compelled to spend 10 occasions extra if we don’t forestall a wider battle. Because the Polish PM I’m entitled to say it loud and clear, since Poland already spends nearly 5% of its GDP on defence. And we are going to proceed to take action.
— Donald Tusk (@donaldtusk) February 17, 2025
Considerations over Trump’s potential method to peace negotiations with Russia dominated the summit, as European leaders concern he might push for a ceasefire that doesn’t account for Ukrainian pursuits.
Senior U.S. and Russian diplomats are set to fulfill in Riyadh to observe up on a telephone name Trump initiated with Putin final week.
U.S. President Donald Trump reaffirmed on Feb. 16 that Zelensky would have a say within the course of and talked about the potential for permitting European nations to buy U.S.-made weapons for Ukraine. Rubio echoed comparable feedback, including that Ukraine and Europe should play a task in severe negotiations with the U.S. and Russia to finish the battle.
European diplomats are more and more anxious that Trump would possibly make unilateral concessions to Russia, comparable to lifting key sanctions or withdrawing U.S. troops from Europe, as a part of a broader cope with Moscow.
The Kyiv IndependentThe Kyiv Independent